Bilateral trade between Ireland and China reached €5.7 billion in 2014, with Irish food exports to China increasing 40% to €520 million since 2010. The agri-food and drink sector accounts for 7.2% of Ireland's economy, 12.3% of exports, and 8.8% of total employment, demonstrating China's importance as a trade partner as relations between the two countries have expanded rapidly over the past decade.

1. €5.7b
amount of
bilateral trade
between Irl &
China in 2014
In 2014
food exports
to China were almost
40%
higher at
€520m
meaning since 2010 trade
with China has multiplied
x4
The agri-food and drink
sector accounts for
7.2%
of Ireland s economy
wide GVA
12.3%
of Ireland s exports and
8.8%
of total employment
Sources: ‘Unlocking Ireland’s Trade Potential for Ireland’, Asia Matters 2014; McKinsey;
Bord Bia - “Exports Performance & Prospects” 2015; China Customs
8 official visits
from Ireland to
China in 2014
12 official visits
from China to
Ireland in 2014
€3.2b
worth of
exports from
Ireland to
China in 2014
China-Ireland
Relations