The dispute between China and Japan over seafood imports from Japan remains unresolved, one year after the release of treated water from the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant began. Japan is now seeking new markets for its marine products in order to reduce its reliance on China. The Japanese government plans to present scientific data to China in an effort to convince them to lift the suspension.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited a fish market in Fukushima Prefecture on Saturday, exactly one year after the water release began. During his visit, Kishida sampled seafood such as bonito and sea urchin and emphasized their safety. He assured fishermen that necessary measures would be taken to support their work.
The impact of China’s suspension on sales in Japan’s fisheries industry has been significant. According to a survey by the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry, exports of agriculture, forestry, fisheries products, and food items from January to June 2024 decreased by 1.8% compared to the same period last year – the first decline in four years. This decline is largely attributed to lower exports to China, which dropped by 43.8%.
Scallops have been particularly affected by the suspension as more than half of Japan’s scallop exports went to China before it was implemented. To protect Japan’s fisheries industry, the government introduced a package of policy measures worth ¥100.7 billion last September aimed at boosting domestic consumption and diversifying overseas markets.
Efforts have been made by organizations like JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) which set up business meetings between foreign buyers and Japanese fisheries businesses at the government’s request. These efforts have resulted in increased scallop exports: shipments rose by 64% to the United States compared with last year; exports were also significantly higher for Canada (7 times), Vietnam (7 times), and Thailand (3 times).
Despite these positive developments, Prime Minister Kishida acknowledged that additional assistance measures may be needed as they have not fully compensated for lost demand caused by China’s restrictions.
China has maintained its stance on import restrictions due to concerns about nuclear contamination from treated water released into Japanese waters near Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant following a devastating earthquake and tsunami in March 2011.
Japan will continue urging China through talks involving experts from both countries’ governments while emphasizing that Japanese seafood is safe under monitoring systems involving international organizations such as International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
China attending talks this year indicates a potential shift in their position regarding this issue; however, there are still significant differences between both countries’ stances.
Japanese officials believe that improving ties with Japan is crucial for attracting Japanese investment but acknowledge that it will be challenging if import restrictions remain.
In an attempt find a solution before November’s Group of Twenty summit meeting held in Brazil where Chinese President Xi Jinping plans attend; The Japanese government is exploring possibilities for Xi Jinping meeting with Kishida’s successor as prime minister