UK Lifts Import Restrictions on Fukushima Food Products... Agreement Reached at G7 Summit

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The UK government has announced it will lift import restrictions on food products from Fukushima, Japan, sparking anticipated domestic and international controversy. It is reported that UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made the final commitment at the Group of Seven (G7) summit.

According to Kyodo News on the 28th, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson held a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at Elmau Castle in Bavaria, Germany, where the G7 summit was held, and announced that from the 29th, the import restrictions on food products from Fukushima, Japan, will be lifted.

Earlier, in May, Johnson promised to lift the import restrictions on Fukushima food products, which had been maintained since the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident, while sharing Japanese popcorn and other Fukushima products with Prime Minister Kishida during his visit to the UK.

Despite the expected domestic and international controversy, the UK's promise to lift import restrictions on Fukushima food products is interpreted as a deal to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), led by Japan. Since Brexit, the UK has focused on securing export markets through joining the CPTPP.

Meanwhile, Taiwan also announced in February that it would allow imports of food products from five prefectures including Fukushima. Taiwan applied for CPTPP membership last September and is currently negotiating to gain Japan's support. Japan strongly requested Taiwan to allow imports of Fukushima food products, leading to the resumption of imports.