China has formally ended its for almost two years seafood import restrictions on Japan. The Chinese customs agency made this announcement on an otherwise very quiet Sunday. It was in August 2023 that the authorities recently imposed this ban. They took action due to Japan’s planned release of slightly radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Getting this ban lifted would be the greatest victory for Japan. Indeed, China has long been Japan’s largest foreign market for seafood, accounting for more than one-fifth of Japan’s seafood exports.
The comprehensive ban immediately devastated Japanese seafood exporters. It certainly devastated the scallop and sea cucumber industries more than the others. These industries suffered billions in lost revenue as they were cut off from one of their most profitable customer bases. Market reopening While the recent government decision to reopen the retail market may usher in much needed respite, hurdles continue to plague the industry.
Now most of Japan will be free to resume their imports. The ban continues to cover seafood from ten of Japan’s 47 prefectures, which include Fukushima and its adjacent regions. This conditional reopening reflects China’s ongoing opposition to the wastewater discharge from Fukushima, despite allowing imports from regions that meet its safety standards. After eight months of intensive diplomatic negotiations, the closure has officially ended. Japan has committed to letting China take samples of the wastewater for testing.
Japanese seafood exporters must now meet further stipulations before they can begin shipping to China again. They don’t get to stay registered indefinitely; they have to reapply for registration. Second, each import must be accompanied by a health certificate, a certificate of compliance with radioactive substance testing, and a certificate of origin. As a result, shipments are forecast to pick up slowly while exporters adjust to these new regulations.
Inclusively, the lifting of the ban is a sign of a pivotal time for China and Japan. They’re all very keen to strengthen their bilateral relations even as they both face wider economic headwinds, including the fallout from American tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump. The restoration of seafood imports could signal a thaw in relations, with both countries recognizing the potential mutual benefits of strengthened trade ties.
So far, 98% of tests on Japanese seafood indicate it poses no radioactive threat. This conclusion further corroborates the safety of products originating from regulated areas. With trade moving again, both countries will be watching carefully. Through these means, they are working to prevent the evasion of safety standards and the undermining of public confidence in seafood products.
