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Hungarian agriculture and agribusiness have faced numerous challenges recently, but after overcoming diseases affecting almost all of our animal species, Hungary has been declared virus-free, meaning that trade with China can soon resume and Chinese-Hungarian agricultural relations will continue to strengthen, Minister of Agriculture István Nagy announced on Tuesday in Beijing.
The Hungarian politician said in the Chinese capital that he had met with his Chinese counterpart Han Jun to discuss the restoration and resumption of trade relations, reviewing the opportunities in agriculture, farming, and the food industry. On Tuesday, they also held talks with the Chinese Customs Minister, who is responsible for enforcing the principle of regionalization and determining the conditions under which a product can enter the People’s Republic of China, István Nagy told MTI.
Reopening trade routes within Europe is a simple process, but with third countries it is longer and more difficult, as they are not bound by any other agreements except those they conclude with the country in question. China is a very important strategic partner for Hungary,”
he explained.
A busy day in Beijing. Strengthening our cooperation with China in agriculture and food security was the focus of my meeting with Minister Han Jun.
It’s encouraging to see China’s openness toward the regionalization of Hungarian pork and poultry. We are committed to… pic.twitter.com/j9C18qPPt8— Dr Nagy István (@DrNagyIstvn1) June 17, 2025
During Tuesday’s talks, they discussed with the Chinese side how to speed up and restart the processes that would give Hungarian products free access to the market, among which the export of pork products to China would be of utmost importance, he pointed out. “We are free of African swine fever, but regionalization must be applied.
I asked the Chinese side to speed up the process so that we do not have to wait for the entire European Union to be exempted and for the accreditation to end, but rather that Hungary be given priority in these tests and be granted special status,”
he said.
In addition, several Hungarian agricultural product groups were discussed during the negotiations, including poultry, waterfowl, goose products, cattle, and raw wool exports from the sheep sector, he added.
The Minister emphasized that in addition to processed products, live animals must also be considered, because there is a great need in China for Hungarian poultry, including the laying hybrids of Bábolna TETRA, as well as the genetic potential of Hungarian cattle breeding stock.
Moreover, there is also demand for high-quality Hungarian honey in China, where on Tuesday, they received a promise that the consultation process would be accelerated and that the honey products of two Hungarian companies could be shipped to China as soon as possible.
“The standard of Hungarian animal health, the professional work and credibility of the Hungarian authorities are recognized in China, and here too they can see and feel the high level of professional processes taking place in Hungary,” said Nagy.
Via MTI, Featured image: Pexels