[NRG1973]

This sounds like a bit of an overreaction by the Chinese. But, if it continues, and if other countries decide turn back ships that have radiation then it will definately have an impact on the global economy.

[NRG1973]

Another article about the ship...

Japan shipper mulls future of vessel with “abnormal” radiation:

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/29/us-japan-quake-mitsui-idUSTRE72S0P520110329

[Jack Hydrazine]

Hot Japanese boats?

[GonzoGOP]

Japan’s economy certainly doesn’t need any more hits. The crews will have to start hosing down the containers before entering Chinese ports.

[steve86]

Frankly, everyone is going to have to get used to levels of radiation slightly above normal background. To reject a shipment or a ship with the tiniest elevation is just stupid and calls into question real motivation for doing so.

[rockinqsranch]

This strikes me as political.

[rockinqsranch]

I shall elucidate my previous post. “This strikes me as quite political.” I’d say if the Japanese were to say to the PRC they won’t trade with Taiwan, then all of a sudden the lousey 3.5 microsieverts won’t be a problem.

The same issue has had the Chinese mainland, and Japan at odds since the 1970’s when the Japanese major players formed separate entities to trade with Taiwan to get around the Chinese embargo on Japanese products.

Example K-Line created PCL, or Phoenix Container Line of Liberian registry to ship freight containers into Taiwan so K-Line could deal with mainland China.

PCL is long gone today, but the Chinese still throw their weight around on the subject of Taiwan.

[Myrddin]

We could soon have shortages on store shelves if goods can't get here without contamination.

[Last Dakotan]

I love watching merchantilists fight it out amongst each other.

Usually when the US is involved we just play the patsy.