China lifts a nearly 2-year ban on seafood from Japan over Fukushima wastewater

China has recently announced the reopening of its market to seafood from Japan, following a nearly two-year ban due to concerns over radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. The ban, imposed in August 2023, had a significant impact on Japan’s fisheries industry, as China was a key market for Japanese seafood exports.

The Fukushima nuclear plant was severely damaged in 2011 by a tsunami and earthquake, leading to ongoing efforts to cool the radioactive fuel and manage wastewater. After obtaining government approval, the plant operator planned to gradually release treated water into the sea, asserting that it would meet international safety standards and have minimal environmental impact.

However, China disagreed with this approach, expressing concerns about potential risks to its fishing industry and coastal communities. As a result, the ban on seafood imports from certain prefectures, including Fukushima, will continue. Japanese exporters seeking to resume trade with China will need to adhere to strict regulations and provide various certificates to ensure compliance with safety standards.