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South Korea's Seafood Imports from Japan Decline, Reflecting Long-standing Ban Amidst International Concerns
In 2023, South Korea witnessed a notable 12.8 percent decrease in the value of seafood imports from Japan under H.S. Code 03, as per data from the Korea Customs Service. This drop, reported by the Seoul-based Yonhap News Agency, marks the most significant year-on-year decline since 2012, following Japan's Fukushima nuclear disaster, when imports plummeted by 33.3 percent.
South Korea's stance on Japanese seafood imports traces back to its 2013 imposition of a ban on products from eight Japanese prefectures, alongside stringent testing requirements for others. Despite President Yoon Suk Yeol's warmer diplomatic approach towards Japan since 2022, the ban remains in place due to concerns over radiation levels and inconsistent information from Japan.
Notably, South Korea's reluctance to lift the ban aligns with broader international dynamics. China implemented a comprehensive ban on Japanese seafood imports in August 2023, coinciding with Japan's trilateral defense cooperation agreement with South Korea and the United States. Russia followed suit in October, possibly in response to Japan's sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict.
Recent sightings of Russian trawlers operating near Japan's northeast Honshu Island, close to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, raise questions about Japan's stated food safety concerns. While these trawlers operate legally under a December 2022 agreement allowing fishing in respective exclusive economic zones, their presence in Japanese waters challenges the legitimacy of Japan's safety claims.
Meanwhile, Japan is seeking to redirect its seafood exports to Southeast Asia, hosting ambassadors from several countries to promote local seafood products. This strategic shift underscores Japan's efforts to adapt to evolving geopolitical dynamics and diversify its export markets.
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