Japan Opposes EU Eel Trade Ban Proposal

Japan has announced firm opposition to the European Union's proposal to list all 19 eel species under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), a move that would impose new international trade restrictions. Japanese Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi argued that eel stocks are carefully managed in cooperation with China, Taiwan, and South Korea, and claimed there is no extinction risk from international trade. Eel, especially popular as 'unagi', is a culturally significant food in Japan, which imports about 70% of its supply. The EU supports the listing, citing sharp global eel population declines from overfishing, pollution, and habitat loss. Japan warns that tighter regulations could disrupt imports, increase prices, and incentivize poaching and smuggling. Ahead of the CITES meeting in November, informal talks among Japan, China, South Korea, and Taiwan have taken place to coordinate their response.