The IFA's Dairy Chair Martin McElearney has expressed disappointment at the introduction of tariffs by China on dairy goods, commencing today.
The Co. Monaghan farmer said that the farm org understands that tariff rates will range from 21.9% to 42.7% and are predominantly focused on milk, cream and cheese.
At this stage infant milk formula is excluded from the tariff schedule.
Irish dairy exports to China have declined since their peak in 2017.
In 2024, €382m worth of exports were exported to China and figures for 2025 also indicate a decline.
Mr. McElearney said that Infant formula still constitutes the majority of our exports to China, making up 55% of the total this year.
Ireland has also exported over €40m of casein and whey to the region in 2025.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Mr. McElearney said that the tariffs are "probably retaliatory".
He said: "It's probably retaliatory tariffs from the Chinese on European electric vehicles.
"We export milk, its going to be on cream and cheese. The one thing it won't be on, which is the majority of our product, is infant formula, which is good.
"At the moment, the problem being is that milk prices are on the floor. It's another bad announcement," Mr. McElearney explained.
