Impact of Fukushima Controversy: China Slashes Japanese Seafood Imports by 30%

China's Strong Response to Fukushima Controversy Leads to Significant Reduction in Japanese Seafood Imports

In light of the ongoing controversy surrounding Japan's Fukushima water release, China has taken decisive action by substantially curtailing its imports of Japanese seafood.

Recent reports from the Japanese Kyodo News Agency reveal that Chinese imports of Japanese seafood dropped by around 30% last month. According to statistics released by China's Customs Administration, the total value of Japanese seafood imports in July plummeted by 28.5% compared to the previous month, amounting to approximately 234.51 million yuan (roughly 43.1 billion won), and marked a 33.7% decrease from the same period last year. The Kyodo News Agency attributes this decline to China's staunch opposition to the oceanic discharge plans of radioactive water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. They emphasize that this sentiment has triggered comprehensive radiation screening for Japanese seafood.

China's Customs Administration released a statement on July 7th expressing concerns about the potential impact of radioactive water discharge on food safety. They affirmed their commitment to take necessary measures in a timely manner. Following this announcement, China swiftly initiated comprehensive radiation screening for Japanese seafood to ensure its safety.

Ironically, even as China persists in expanding its nuclear facilities along its eastern coast, data reveals that China's total triple-hydrogen (tritium) emissions for the year 2020 amounted to a staggering 1054 terabecquerels (T㏃). This alarming figure is approximately 50 times higher than the annual permissible threshold for oceanic discharge of Fukushima's contaminated water, set at the relatively lower level of 21 terabecquerels.