Key Facts
• Nov 7, 2025: PM Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on ‘crisis situation’ spark tensions.
• China halts Japanese seafood imports, impacting 172 companies (+8 since 2023).
• 9250 Japanese firms export to China; 172 specialize in seafood (1.9%).
• 2023-2025: Food sector’s China sales share drops from 55.9% to 53.9%.
• Seafood-specific sales share declines from 48.4% to 47.8%.
• Companies diversify exports to the U.S. and Southeast Asia to reduce China reliance.
• Nov 2025: Frozen scallops from Hokkaido resume exports to China.
• Taiwan lifts all import restrictions on Japanese food products as of Nov 21, 2025.
Summary
China’s renewed halt on Japanese seafood imports, following PM Takaichi’s remarks on ‘crisis situations,’ affects 172 companies, up from 164 in 2023. The food sector’s reliance on China has decreased, with seafood-specific sales dropping to 47.8% by 2025. Companies are diversifying exports to mitigate ‘China risk,’ focusing on markets like the U.S. and Southeast Asia. Despite tensions, frozen scallop exports to China resumed in November 2025. Meanwhile, Taiwan has fully lifted its restrictions on Japanese food imports, effective November 21, 2025.
