China lifts ban on Japanese seafood amidst Fukushima concerns

China has decided to resume imports of aquatic products from certain regions of Japan, a significant development following a nearly two-year ban prompted by concerns regarding the discharge of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. This announcement was made by Beijing’s General Administration of Customs on June 30, 2025, after international monitoring and tests indicated no abnormalities related to the treated wastewater. The ban initially began in August 2023 when concerns were raised about the potential environmental impact of the water discharge on fishing industries and coastal communities in China. At that time, the Japanese government permitted Tokyo Electric Power Company to gradually release treated water after confirming it met safety standards. However, China disagreed with these assurances, characterizing the act as irresponsible and a disregard for global public health. During the ban, Chinese imports of Japanese seafood experienced a dramatic decline, which heavily impacted Japan’s fisheries sector, as China had accounted for more than 20% of Japan’s seafood exports. As part of the conditions for lifting the ban, China has emphasized its commitment to ensuring that Japan provides safe seafood exports. Despite this resumption, Hong Kong has maintained its ban, citing the often unprecedented nature of the nuclear wastewater discharge and the precautionary approach required for public health safety. Until now, China also continues to impose restrictions on seafood from 10 specific Japanese prefectures, which include Fukushima and surrounding areas, ensuring that the risks perceived by consumers are managed carefully moving forward.