Japan’s recent resumption of seafood exports to China marks a significant turning point in the bilateral trade relationship, coming after a prolonged two-year ban linked to the release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. This development not only reflects the efforts made by both nations to engage in constructive dialogue but also underscores the resilience of Japan’s seafood industry, which is eager to rekindle its market presence in China, the largest foreign market for Japanese seafood products.
Japan has restarted seafood exports to China after Beijing lifted a two-year ban that had been imposed due to the controversial release of treated radioactive wastewater from the tsunami-hit Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The resumption of trade signifies a notable shift, as Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara announced on Friday that 6.6 tonnes of scallops were shipped to China earlier this week, marking the first delivery since the ban was enacted in August 2023.
Following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that led to triple meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi plant, substantial leaks of radioactive wastewater necessitated extensive storage, garnering international concern over public health and environmental safety. The initial disaster tragically claimed the lives of more than 18,000 individuals, with thousands more experiencing adverse health effects in the subsequent years.
In August 2023, Japan began releasing treated radioactive water from the plant into the Pacific Ocean, a move that sparked apprehensions among neighboring countries and prompted China to halt seafood imports from Japan, citing potential contamination risks. Japan, however, maintained that the discharge was safe and received backing from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), contesting China’s claims as scientifically unfounded.
Following rigorous negotiations, China announced the lifting of the ban in June, which has allowed Japan to re-enter the Chinese seafood market under new regulations. These stipulations require Japanese fish processing facilities to register with Chinese authorities and provide inspection certificates for exported seafood, verifying its safety regarding radioactive material.
The ban had a heavy toll on Japan’s seafood industry, particularly for scallops and sea cucumbers, as China had represented Japan’s largest overseas market. Kihara expressed optimism about the recent developments, asserting that the government views this breakthrough as a positive step forward in enhancing trade relations.
The scallops exported this week originated from Hokkaido prefecture, although China retains its ban on seafood sourced from Fukushima and nine neighboring prefectures. As part of its ongoing efforts to restore full trade ties, Japan aims to persuade Beijing to drop the remaining bans, which also include Japanese beef imports that were halted following a bout of mad cow disease in 2001.
This re-establishment of ties emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in addressing trade disruptions, highlighting Japan’s commitment to safety and transparency in its seafood industry.
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