Exports of Japanese Ornamental Carp to China Suspended Amidst Regulatory Dispute

Last Updated on November 10, 2023 12:02 pm

In a recent development, the export of Japanese ornamental carp, commonly known as nishikigoi, to China has been abruptly suspended. The Japanese government officials have revealed that the suspension is a result of China’s failure to seek permission for the continued importation of the prized ornamental fish.

Japanese Fisheries Minister, Miyashita Ichiro, stated on Friday that the Japanese government had submitted the necessary documents to the Chinese authorities. However, there has been no response from China confirming the completion of the required processes. Minister Ichiro pointed out that the deadline for this action had lapsed at the end of the previous month.

China has been a significant market for Japanese nishikigoi, being the largest importer of these ornamental carp. In the previous year alone, China purchased approximately 1.2 billion yen worth, equivalent to nearly 8 million dollars.

One of the stipulations for exporting nishikigoi to China is that the fish must undergo quarantine at Japanese facilities approved by China. Despite this protocol, the shipments have come to a halt due to the absence of a formal request from China.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, Beijing has recently imposed a comprehensive ban on all seafood imports from Japan. This move was in response to concerns over the release of treated and diluted water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

Minister Miyashita emphasized that nishikigoi are cultivated, making them distinct from oceanic fish. He expressed his inability to discern any direct link between the seafood ban and the ornamental fish trade. The minister criticized China for implementing measures that lack a scientific foundation and asserted that Japan will continue to engage in diplomatic efforts to persuade Beijing to reconsider these measures that adversely impact trade ties.

As both nations navigate this regulatory dispute, the future of the lucrative Japanese ornamental carp market in China remains uncertain, and diplomatic dialogues are anticipated to resolve the impasse.