Japanese scallops to be processed in Vietnam after China ban

Sellers eye lower-cost labor as inventory builds amid domestic worker shortage

Fishermen land scallops at the port of Nemuro in Hokkaido. © Reuters

HAJIME TSUKADA, Nikkei staff writer

January 6, 2024 23:01 JST

SAPPORO, Japan -- Japanese seafood companies are set to start processing scallops from Hokkaido in Vietnam on Monday, as China's ban on Japanese seafood forces the industry to seek alternatives.

Seafood e-retailer Foodison is partnering with companies including wholesaler Ebisu Shokai and trading houses Ocean Road and Nosui on a trial of one shipping container of unshelled scallops, or more than 20 tonnes.