Japan Resumes Seafood Exports to China After a Year-Long Ban
Japan has resumed seafood shipments to China for the first time since 2023, when Beijing imposed a comprehensive ban on imports over concerns about radioactive wastewater released from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The decision marks a significant development in the trade relationship between the two countries.
The resumption of exports was announced by the Japanese government during a press conference led by Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara. He highlighted the positive response to the recent shipment of six tons of frozen scallops from Hokkaido, Japan’s northern main island, which arrived in China on Wednesday. This move is seen as a step toward rebuilding trust and restoring normal trade relations.
In addition to the scallops, Farm Minister Norikazu Suzuki confirmed that 600 kilograms of salted sea cucumbers will be sent to China on Monday. These shipments are part of a gradual process to restart Japanese seafood exports, following an agreement reached between the two nations in June of this year.
Regulatory Measures and Ongoing Concerns
To ensure the safety of imported seafood, Japanese exporters must register their facilities with Chinese authorities and provide radioactivity inspection certificates before shipping products. As of now, only three facilities have been approved for exports, while hundreds more are awaiting registration. This regulatory framework aims to address concerns raised by Chinese officials regarding the potential risks associated with seafood from Japan.
At a press conference in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning reiterated the country’s commitment to maintaining strict oversight of Japanese seafood imports. She stated that if any risks are detected, appropriate import restrictions will be implemented immediately. Mao also expressed hope for continued international monitoring and independent sampling of water in the region, emphasizing China’s dedication to safeguarding food safety for its citizens.
Despite these steps, a separate ban remains in place on marine products and other goods from 10 Japanese prefectures, including Fukushima, Miyagi, and Tokyo. This restriction was imposed after the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, which triggered the nuclear disaster at Fukushima Daiichi.
Broader Implications for Bilateral Relations
The resumption of seafood imports comes amid efforts by both countries to stabilize their often-tense bilateral relations. Issues related to territory and wartime history have frequently strained ties between Japan and China. At the same time, the broader geopolitical context, including Sino-U.S. rivalry and trade tensions under U.S. President Donald Trump, adds complexity to the relationship.
China has also taken a key step toward restarting Japanese beef imports, which were halted after the outbreak of mad cow disease in Japan in 2001. According to the Japanese government, Beijing has completed its domestic quarantine procedures, paving the way for the resumption of beef exports.
Continued Calls for Full Reopening
Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara emphasized that Japan will continue to strongly advocate for the removal of remaining restrictions on the 10 affected prefectures and the full resumption of beef imports. These calls reflect the importance of expanding trade relations and addressing lingering concerns that have impacted the flow of goods between the two nations.
As Japan and China work to rebuild trust and restore normal trade practices, the resumption of seafood exports represents a positive but cautious step forward. The success of these efforts will depend on continued cooperation, transparency, and adherence to rigorous safety standards.