Japan told the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on Monday that China’s ban on its seafood products, following Tokyo’s decision to start releasing wastewater from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean, was “totally unacceptable.”
Japanese Counterargument
In its counterargument to the suspension of Chinese imports, the Japanese Foreign Ministry once again explained the safety of the discharge of treated water, including through the monitoring results after the start of the discharge.
It stated that China’s decision to suspend the imports was “totally unacceptable,” and “strongly” urged Beijing to “immediately repeal its measures,” which it said it has been “continuously” calling for.
Tokyo also said that in addition to the submission of this counterargument, it “will continue to provide explanation on its position in related committees in the WTO.”
China's Seafood Markets Turn Back on Japanese Marine Products Since Ban Enforcement
— Zhang Heqing (@zhang_heqing) August 26, 2023
As China bans seafood imports from Japan over concerns about nuclear-contaminated water discharge from the Fukushima nuclear plant, fish markets shift sourcing while restaurants remove Japanese… pic.twitter.com/TesIqR7yLT
In a separate statement released on Monday, the Japanese Foreign Ministry called on the Asian superpower to participate in discussions in accordance with the provisions of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement, to which both countries are parties.
“Japan hopes that China will hold the discussions with the Japanese side as soon as practicable and review its measures in accordance with its obligations of the RCEP Agreement. Through various efforts including these discussions, Japan will continue to strongly urge the Chinese side to immediately repeal its measures,” the statement read.
It also called China’s suspension “extremely regretful.”
Trade Impact
Although marine products comprise less than 1% of the Japan’s global trade, which is dominated by car exports, Japan exported about $600 million worth of marine products to China last year, making it Japan’s biggest export market, followed by Hong Kong.
However, data released on Tuesday showed that China-bound exports of marine products fell for the first time in more than 21 years in July, dropping 23% year-on-year to $52.44 million.
Since China’s suspension, the Japanese government announced plans to support the local fisheries industry by allocating more than $682 million.