China to accept UK beef exports after 23-year ban

SHANGHAI - Britain could start exporting beef to China again later this year, both nations have confirmed, bringing to an end a 23-year import ban imposed during the mad cow disease epidemic in the 1990s, the  China Daily reports.

"Both nations must now finalise a standard health certificate to accompany shipments, which are expected to commence by the end of 2019," the report said.

"Chinese beef consumption is increasing at a greater rate than domestic production, leading to growing demand for imported meat. Last year, Chinese beef imports totalled US$ 4.8 billion, representing 10% of global imports." www.webershandwick.cn (ATI).