China Resumes Japanese Seafood Imports Excluding Fukushima, 9 Prefectures

China has lifted its nearly two-year ban on seafood imports from most parts of Japan, resuming trade except for products from 10 prefectures including Fukushima, where the nuclear plant incident occurred. The initial ban, imposed in August 2023, followed Japan's release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima plant into the Pacific Ocean, a move supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) but opposed by China due to environmental concerns. Japanese officials, including Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, hailed the decision as a significant milestone and pledged to work toward resuming exports smoothly and urging the removal of remaining restrictions. Seafood exporters are required to reapply for registration in China, with imports mandating health certificates and radioactive substance compliance documentation. The reopening is seen as a major relief for Japan's fisheries industry, as China represents its largest overseas seafood market, accounting for over one-fifth of exports. Industry leaders expressed optimism about expanding sales channels and rebuilding trade ties strained by the previous ban.