In response to the start of the release of treated water accumulated at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and China's total suspension of imports of marine products from Japan, Hokkaido has decided to consider necessary measures such as the development of new export routes, citing concerns about the impact on scallops, which account for most of Hokkaido's exports.
In response to China's total suspension of imports of marine products from Japan, about 29 people, including representatives from Hokkaido and Sapporo City, as well as marine product processing and distribution organizations, gathered on the 20th to exchange opinions on the impact on exports and countermeasures.
At the outset, Mr. Masaki Kondo, Director-General of the Fisheries Bureau of Hokkaido, said, "China is the largest export destination for Hokkaido fishery products, and there are concerns that it will have a tremendous impact not only on the fishing industry but also on many fields such as distribution and exports, such as a decline in prices due to the retention of marine products in the country."
According to the province, the total amount of marine products exported overseas from ports in Hokkaido last year was 833.532 billion yen, of which 6.<> billion yen was destined for China, accounting for more than <>% of the total.
At the meeting, there were many opinions that the prices of scallops, which account for most of exports to China, and sea cucumbers, which are popular as a high-end food, have already fallen, and there are concerns about the future impact.
Prime Minister Kishida has indicated that the government intends to explain support measures for seafood businesses within this week, and Michi will consider necessary measures, such as developing new distribution routes to promote exports and promotion measures to expand domestic consumption, taking into account national trends.