China: China and Japan are finalising an agreement that would allow the resumption of Japanese seafood exports to the Chinese market, nearly two years after a sweeping trade ban was imposed.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed that the two sides had reached a consensus on the technical requirements necessary to restart exports, following a high-level meeting in Beijing. Hayashi stated that, “Exports to China will resume as soon as the re-registration process for export-related facilities is completed.”
Beijing halted Japanese seafood imports in August 2023 after Tokyo began releasing over 1 million metric tonnes of treated radioactive wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean. The plant was severely damaged in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster.
Although the release was deemed safe by the International Atomic Energy Agency, it sparked backlash from neighbouring countries, with China enforcing an immediate and comprehensive ban on Japanese seafood. China’s General Administration of Customs said that seafood imports will resume once the necessary procedures are fulfilled, noting that substantial progress had been achieved in bilateral talks.
As part of the new arrangement, Japan’s seafood processing facilities must register with Chinese authorities, and all exports will require certificates confirming that the products have been tested for radioactive contamination.
Despite the breakthrough, restrictions will remain on agricultural and marine products from 10 Japanese prefectures, including Fukushima, reflecting long-standing safety concerns tied to the 2011 nuclear accident. Tokyo has pledged to continue diplomatic efforts to have the remaining curbs lifted, with Hayashi reaffirming Japan’s commitment to ensuring food safety and transparency.
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