Report on the Partial Resumption of Japanese Fishery Product Imports by China

Overview

On June 30, 2025, Japanese Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced the Chinese government’s decision to partially resume imports of fishery products from Japan. This development marks a significant milestone in bilateral trade relations and aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focusing on economic growth, responsible consumption, and international partnerships.

Background

1. In August 2023, China imposed a comprehensive import ban on Japanese fishery products.
2. The ban was a response to the release of tritium-containing treated water from the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. (TEPCO), into the Pacific Ocean.
3. Despite the partial resumption, the import ban remains in effect for 10 of Japan’s 47 prefectures, including Tokyo and Fukushima, the site of the 2011 nuclear accident.

Government Response and Future Actions

• Minister Koizumi emphasized collaboration between public and private sectors to expedite and facilitate the smooth resumption of fishery exports.
• Japan will continue diplomatic efforts urging China to lift the import ban on the remaining prefectures.
• Additionally, Japan seeks the resumption of beef imports from China, further promoting bilateral trade.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Resuming fishery product exports supports food security by enabling access to diverse and nutritious seafood resources.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The reopening of trade channels fosters economic growth and sustains livelihoods in Japan’s fishery sector.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Ensuring safe and sustainable fishery practices aligns with responsible production standards.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The cooperation between Japan and China exemplifies international collaboration to resolve trade issues and promote sustainable development.

Conclusion

The partial lifting of the import ban by China represents a positive step toward restoring trade relations and advancing sustainable development objectives. Continued efforts to fully resume imports from all prefectures and expand trade cooperation will contribute to economic resilience and sustainable resource management in the region.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article discusses the import and export of fishery products and beef, which are directly related to food security and sustainable agriculture.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The import ban due to concerns about treated water release from Fukushima relates to sustainable management of natural resources and minimizing environmental impact in production and consumption.
3. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The issue of fishery product imports and the environmental concerns around the release of treated water into the Pacific Ocean connect to the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and marine resources.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The cooperation between public and private sectors in Japan and the engagement with China to resolve trade issues reflect partnerships to achieve the SDGs.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 2 – Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, including fishers.
   • The resumption of fishery product exports supports improving incomes and productivity in fisheries.
2. SDG 12 – Target 12.4: Achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle.
   • The concerns about tritium-containing treated water release relate to managing chemical waste safely.
3. SDG 14 – Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds.
   • The article’s focus on the impact of treated water release into the Pacific Ocean is directly relevant.
4. SDG 17 – Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development.
   • Japan and China’s cooperation on trade and import bans exemplify this target.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 2.3: Volume of production per labor unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size.
   • Implied through the focus on resuming fishery exports and beef imports, reflecting production and trade volumes.
2. Indicator for SDG 12.4: Number of parties to international multilateral environmental agreements on hazardous waste.
   • Implied by the management and regulation of treated water release and chemical waste.
3. Indicator for SDG 14.1: Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density.
   • While not explicitly mentioned, monitoring marine pollution levels would be relevant to the treated water release issue.
4. Indicator for SDG 17.16: Number of countries reporting progress in mutually agreed development cooperation frameworks.
   • Implied by the cooperation efforts between Japan and China regarding trade and import bans.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: nippon.com