Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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16. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to consider supporting producers of pig products impacted by Chinese tariffs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50805/25]

Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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China is the sixth largest destination for our agrifood exports, worth over €613 million, and pigmeat is a huge part of that trade, at €102 million last year. The imposition by China recently of what it considers anti-dumping tariffs will really challenge that trade. What efforts are being made to end those tariffs?

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I thank Deputy Moynihan for his very important question. In June, the Government of China initiated an anti-dumping investigation on imports of pork and beef products from the European Union, and it has now announced provisional duties on imports of pork from the EU. The European Commission is in the process of assessing this announcement and will consider measures to protect EU industry and economic interests ahead of the deadline for the final determination of the Chinese investigation on 16 December.

I understand that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is aware of the preliminary findings of China's investigation and that the Department is confident that Ireland's exports of pork and pork by-products to China are fully compliant with World Trade Organization rules. The Department has encouraged the Irish industry to co-operate fully with the Chinese investigations. The Commission will be supported in its efforts to defend EU farmers and exporters on this matter.

My Department, through Enterprise Ireland, provides a range of funds and grants to agrifood businesses, including pig processors, to support export growth and capability development in the sector. Supports are available for capital investment, research and development, digitalisation, training, and sustainability initiatives. Bord Bia also runs promotional campaigns which aim to boost domestic and export demand.

In addition, my Department, together with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, co-fund the capital investment scheme for the marketing and processing of agricultural products, which is implemented by Enterprise Ireland. This scheme is targeted at businesses in the meat and dairy sectors to support them to expand and diversify and to increase sales of higher value-added products in the global marketplace. Thirty-four projects have been supported, with total public and private investment exceeding €420 million. This investment helps future-proof the sector, sustain jobs and enhance export potential.

Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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These tariffs are a huge burden on the export of pig products to China. Two obvious supports are needed: first, the ending of the tariff and allowing free trade and, second, alternative markets. It is reasonable to expect that China will build its own pigmeat businesses and will be able to satisfy its own market more in the years ahead.

What particular efforts are being made to find alternative markets for Irish pig product across any other parts of the globe, whether South America, North America or wherever else?

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy knows, the Minister, Deputy Burke, launched the Government's Action Plan on Market Diversification recently. It contains important actions aimed at supporting export-orientated sectors, including the agrifood sector. This focus on market diversification for the sector also aligns with the objectives of the Food Vision 2030 strategy, which is led by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The action plan sets out a path to support Ireland's businesses large and small and to adapt to the global trading environment by striking out into new and diverse markets, deepening their engagement in existing markets and expanding where possible and where opportunities exist. As a global and open trading economy deeply connected into international supply chains, the action plan also serves to mitigate the current risks and bolster our economic resilience. Of the grants and schemes that are available, I want to talk about two in particular. The market research grant provides up to €35,000 to help companies assess the impact of tariffs, gain market insights and develop mitigation strategies even in markets where they already operate. The second piece is the new markets validation grant, offering up to €150,000 to support the development of market entry strategies into new markets and new products.

Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Thank you, Minister. We will get you back in.

Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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To return to the earlier question, this relates to the efforts to end the tariff and to reopen the opportunity for trade. I understand this investigation has been ongoing for some time, with the expectation of an outcome later this year, or possibly by the end of the year. Is there any evidence emerging of dumping going on? Where do things stand at the moment on this? I know that it was raised by the agriculture Minister at the recent AGRIFISH meeting as well with his EU colleagues. Is there any evidence, or is there a risk, that this tariff could continue long-term, or what efforts are being made to ensure that it would be ended?

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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As I said, the Department has encouraged the Irish industry to co-operate fully with the Chinese investigations, and the Commission will support its efforts to defend EU farmers and exporters on the matter. I am cognisant of the fact that the Minister, Deputy Burke, has done a huge amount in terms of particular sectors being able to take shocks like that, having that resilience in place. That is what the action plan on competitiveness and market diversification is all about. As a Government, we are mindful and cognisant of that, looking to other markets and trying to ensure that we future-proof not just our pig sector but all agrifood sectors that face tariffs, potentially. I would like us to await the outcome of that investigation, which is due to be published on 16 December.