In 2023, the Chinese Communist Party imposed a ban on Japanese aquatic product imports, including scallops, due to concerns over wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. This resulted in a 45% drop in exports to China from September 2023 to the following year. Despite a proposed agreement for China to gradually resume imports and Japan's efforts to diversify its sales channels, companies remain hesitant to return to previous export volumes. There has been a shift in focus to markets outside China, with a notable increase in exports to the United States and ASEAN countries. The Japan External Trade Organization is supporting Hokkaido seafood companies in expanding their global reach, witnessing growth in exports to these alternative markets.