Rudolph Angler China has agreed to restart imports of Japanese seafood following a ban imposed in 2023 due to concerns over treated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. The development was confirmed by Japan’s Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi after discussions in Beijing. According to Koizumi, imports will resume once all necessary documentation is completed. While China acknowledged progress during recent talks, it has yet to formally confirm the agreement. This move marks an important step for Japan’s seafood exporters, though restrictions remain on products from 10 Japanese prefectures, including Fukushima.
Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya praised the breakthrough, calling it a foundation for resolving broader bilateral trade issues. Japanese officials emphasized their commitment to continuing negotiations for full market access to China. Meanwhile, China’s customs office noted technical exchanges but stopped short of confirming a final deal.
The seafood import ban followed Japan’s controversial discharge of diluted radioactive water from the damaged Fukushima plant in August 2023. Beijing argued the treated wastewater posed risks to its coastal communities and fishing industries. Japanese authorities maintained that the release complied with strict safety and international standards. They explained the discharge was necessary to make space for dismantling the damaged reactors and to prevent accidental leaks.
Tokyo and Beijing have held three rounds of talks since March 2024 to clarify technical conditions for the trade resumption. Japan’s foreign ministry acknowledged progress but did not provide a clear timeline for when imports will fully resume. Before the ban, China was the largest foreign market for Japanese seafood, accounting for over 20% of exports. The ban has hit Japan’s fisheries hard, especially scallop producers.
The Fukushima disaster, caused by a 2011 earthquake and tsunami, damaged the nuclear plant and led to three reactor meltdowns. Operators used large volumes of water to cool the reactors, creating a buildup of treated wastewater. The water was heavily diluted before its ocean release, but the move sparked protests in Japan and abroad. Fishing communities expressed fears about long-term damage to seafood reputations. Activists in South Korea and China also voiced strong opposition.
To support affected seafood exporters, the Japanese government offered emergency aid. Tokyo Electric Power Company, the plant operator, pledged compensation for businesses impacted by the ban.