Japan Shifts Seafood Processing Hub From China to Vietnam Amidst Fukushima Fallout

Vietnam takes over scallop processing for Japan amid China’s economic coercion. Other opportunities on the horizon.

Vietnamese workers sort out shrimps at a processing line of Kim Anh Seafood Processing Factory in southern province of Soc Trang, Feb. 21, 2004. STR/AFP via Getty Images

Vietnam is expected to replace China as one of the primary processing origins of Japanese seafood to satisfy the U.S. market needs.

Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said on Dec.1 that its scallop processing needs, previously done in China, would be transferred to Vietnam after discussions between the U.S. Embassy in Japan and several Japanese ministries and departments.