Chinese customs data revealed a drastic decline of 67.6% in China’s seafood imports from Japan in August, compared to the previous year. This decline was a result of Beijing’s implementation of a total ban on marine products shipped from Japan, following the discharge of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea. The ban was enacted at the end of August in response to the increasing levels of radioactive contamination.
Even before the ban was imposed, China had already tightened controls on marine product imports by introducing blanket radiation testing in July. The lengthy customs procedures required by the testing caused a significant drop in imports of chilled fresh fish products from Japan. Dealers and Japanese exporters were adversely affected by this decline.
China formally notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of its emergency import ban at the end of August, prompting Japan to file a protest. In response, Japan argued that China’s import suspension was “totally unacceptable” and called for its immediate repeal.
It is important to note that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) concluded in a report that the Fukushima water release plan aligns with global safety standards and would have a negligible impact on people and the environment.
Overall, China’s seafood imports from Japan have seen a significant decline due to the ban imposed as a response to the radioactive water discharge. The situation has sparked tensions between the two countries, leading to calls for WTO intervention and further negotiations.
Sources:
– Chinese customs data
– Kyodo
– The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)