Key Facts
• June 29, 2025: China announced resumption of Japanese seafood imports after two years.
• Ban was imposed in August 2023 due to Fukushima water release concerns.
• Scallop fishermen in Monbetsu City welcomed the decision, expecting higher prices and demand.
• A Sapporo seafood company previously relied on China for 90% of its scallop sales.
• Over the past two years, the company shifted 70-80% of its sales to domestic restaurants.
• The company plans to maintain domestic focus while cautiously resuming exports to China.
• Concerns remain over export risks and uncertainty about recovery of Chinese demand.
Summary
China has resumed importing Japanese seafood, including scallops, after a two-year ban linked to concerns over Fukushima’s treated water release. The decision, announced on June 29, 2025, has been met with mixed reactions. Fishermen in Monbetsu City expressed optimism about increased demand and higher prices, while a Sapporo-based seafood company, which previously relied heavily on Chinese exports, has shifted its focus to domestic markets over the past two years. Currently, 70-80% of its sales are directed to local restaurants, and the company plans to continue prioritizing domestic distribution while cautiously resuming exports to China. Despite the positive outlook, concerns about export risks and the uncertain recovery of Chinese demand persist, leaving the future of Japan’s seafood exports unclear.
