Japan’s seafood exports to China have hit fresh obstacles just days after resuming for the first time in nearly two years. The disruption follows comments by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding a Taiwan contingency. Observers say this setback threatens Japan’s efforts to expand its agricultural and marine exports.
China banned Japanese marine products in 2023 after the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant released treated water. In May 2025, both governments agreed on procedures to resume exports. By June, China allowed imports from 37 prefectures, including Hokkaido and Aomori. On November 5, six tons of frozen scallops from Hokkaido were shipped to China.
Japanese fishery businesses approved for exports before the treated water release must reregister with Chinese authorities to resume shipments. Although 697 businesses have applied, only three in Hokkaido and Aomori have successfully restarted exports so far.
Before the ban, China was Japan’s largest market for seafood. In 2022, Japan exported ¥387.3 billion of seafood, with ¥87.1 billion, or 20%, going to China. Scallops represented ¥48.9 billion and sea cucumbers ¥9.8 billion. After the ban, Japan diversified sales to Southeast Asian markets, including Vietnam and Thailand.
An official from the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry said exports to the United States and Southeast Asia remain strong. “Scallop exports to the United States and Southeast Asia are going well, so there is little impact at present,” the official added.
Japan aims to boost exports of agricultural, forestry, fishery products, and food to ¥5 trillion by 2030. The Chinese market, with roughly 1.4 billion consumers, remains highly attractive. A government source said, “The Chinese market is indispensable for achieving this target.”
Despite recent progress, seafood exports to China face political and logistical risks. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and assessing potential measures to ensure smoother trade.
