Russia Explores Opportunities to Boost Marine Product Exports to China

Russia is looking to capitalize on China’s ban on Japanese seafood imports due to concerns over radioactive water released from the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant. With 894 Russian companies authorized to export seafood to China, Russia is one of the major suppliers of marine products to its neighbor.

Efforts to Expand Exporters and Product Range

Rosselkhoznadzor, the Russian food safety watchdog, expressed its intention to increase the number of certified Russian companies and ships, as well as enhance the volume and variety of products exported to China. To facilitate this, Rosselkhoznadzor plans to engage in discussions with China on seafood safety matters and finalize negotiations on regulations for Russian marine product supply to the country.

China’s Ban and Russia’s Prominence in Aquatic Product Exports

China has already imposed partial bans on food imports from Japan. However, the recent total ban was triggered by concerns of potential radioactive contamination from the treated water release. China serves as the primary destination for over half of Russia’s aquatic product exports, including pollock, herring, flounder, sardine, cod, and crab. While specific figures were not provided, Russia exported 2.3 million metric tons of marine products in 2020, valued at approximately $6.1 billion.

Safety Measures and Scientific Disputes

Addressing concerns, Russia’s fisheries agency emphasized that the direction of currents in the Russian Far East, where the majority of seafood is caught, would prevent contamination of marine products by Russian ships. The agency also stated it has strengthened radiological controls on seafood caught in Russian waters near Fukushima, conducting selected sample tests for radiation levels. Japan, on the other hand, dismissed criticism from Russia and China, asserting that pollution levels in the water remain below World Health Organization’s safe drinking standards. Although volumes of Japan seafood imports are negligible, Rosselkhoznadzor has tightened the screening process.