Beijing, 26 August 2023(GNP): Japan’s decision to discharge treated nuclear wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant has sparked outrage in Beijing, prompting the immediate and comprehensive blockage of all imports of Japanese seafood.
This move is seen as Beijing’s way of publicly expressing its displeasure with Japan’s actions. Chong Jia Ian, an associate professor of political science at the National University of Singapore, observes, “Clearly, Beijing is making its displeasure very visible with the ban, even if the effect on Japan is not known or knowable at this point.
He also mentioned that Beijing appeared to ignore the fact that the International Atomic Energy Agency had certified the wastewater release. “The trade ties, particularly in goods, still hold significance. However, Japan is diversifying from the Chinese market for business and risk-management motives, while China prioritizes domestic production and consumption,” he stated. “In the long run, both China and Japan might become less pivotal to each other.”
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China’s seafood trade and concerns
China, despite being the largest importer of Japanese seafood, primarily sources aquatic products from Ecuador, Russia, Vietnam, and India, as per Chinese government data. The total trade value between China and Japan decreased by 3.7% to $357.4 billion last year, with a significant 12% drop in January-July to $183.3 billion.
Japan ranks as China’s fifth-largest trading partner, but its share in China’s seafood imports is relatively small, considering China’s substantial seafood demand. Industry insiders in China are worried that the Fukushima wastewater release and subsequent ban could negatively affect seafood consumption.
Concerns over Fukushima wastewater impact on seafood industry
Even though China has not yet taken scientific steps to assess the safety of the wastewater, there are concerns that this move could have broader implications for Japanese seafood consumption, as noted by a member of the China Aquatic Products Processing and Marketing Alliance, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.
“Domestic firms will feel the impact too,” he noted. “From what I’ve gathered, many may avoid seafood, especially shortly. If this attitude becomes widespread, it could spell trouble for the industry.” BRIC Agricultural Information Technology, a consulting company located west of Shanghai in Suzhou, has forecasted a significant effect on China’s fishery and aquaculture sector in a research report issued on Thursday. According to the report:
- People’s willingness to eat seafood might decrease.
- Seafood market activity in coastal cities could decline.
- Sales of aquatic products could plummet.
- Prices may drop due to reduced demand.
China’s imports from Japan and expert insights
China imported Japanese seafood valued at 1.937 billion yuan (US$267 million) from Japan between January and July, as per China’s customs data. However, in July, shipments from Japan saw a significant one-third decline in value, dropping to 235 million yuan, primarily due to heightened concerns regarding food safety.
This concern has led consumers, particularly in places like Hong Kong, to stock up on salt, following local authorities’ decision to ban imports of aquatic products from 10 Japanese prefectures. This comprehensive ban covers various forms of aquatic goods, including live, chilled, frozen, dried, and preserved items, as well as sea salt and seaweed products.
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Professor Wang Yamin, an expert from Shandong University’s Marine College in Weihai, Shandong province, offered insights into the potential impact of the Fukushima wastewater.
He noted that while some of the wastewater might reach Chinese waters, its significance should be minimal, owing to the circulation pattern of ocean surface currents in the North Pacific Ocean. According to him, the ocean current near Fukushima moves in a clockwise direction, carrying water northeastward toward North America, suggesting no immediate major impact on Chinese waters.
