The Japanese government has recently expanded its list of Russia sanctions, with the addition of 758 new items to the list of prohibited goods for supply to the Russian Federation. The Ministry of Trade made this announcement on Wednesday, following their previous revelation that Japan would be widening its embargoed products list in light of the current international situation surrounding Ukraine.
The amended export ban will cover a wide range of goods, including metals such as iron, steel, nickel, copper, and aluminum. It will also include industrial chemicals, plastics, lumber, textiles, electronics, machinery, and scientific instruments. Furthermore, additional types of goods will be added to 45 out of the 47 product categories for which Japan has already imposed an export ban.
The new restrictions also extend to automobiles, specifically cars with an engine capacity of more than 1.9 liters, hybrid and electric vehicles, yachts, boats, optical and measuring equipment, furniture, and prefabricated houses.
The ban goes beyond metals and chemicals, as it also includes products such as paints, pigments, and dyes, including printing ink. Lubricants for processing fabrics, leather, and fur, as well as denatured starch and glue, are also on the list of prohibited goods.
Moreover, the export of products related to photography and filming, as well as products from the chemical industry, plastics, and rubber, will be illegal. This includes acrylic polymers, rubber products, and tires for large vehicles.
The ban also covers a wide range of other goods, such as wood and its products, wood pulp, pulp and waste paper, paper and paperboard, sheep wool and animal wool products, cotton and products derived from it, yarn from vegetable fibers and paper threads, man-made fibers and products made from them, and even used clothing and textiles.
In addition to these new restrictions, Japan has previously imposed various sanctions on the Russian economy. This includes asset freezes, export bans, and the revocation of Moscow’s ‘most-favored nation’ trade status. Japan has also blacklisted 80 Russian military-related companies and organizations. This has led to Russia considering retaliatory steps against Tokyo, with the Russian Foreign Ministry expressing a negative view toward Japan’s penalties.
The Kremlin has implemented its own measures in response, such as blacklisting nearly 400 Japanese lawmakers and banning entry for dozens of senior officials, including Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. These actions were taken due to Japan’s perceived unfriendly and anti-Russian position in regard to Ukraine.
The expanded list of sanctions imposed by Japan reflects the tense international situation surrounding Ukraine and the ongoing conflict between Russia and the West. It remains to be seen how Russia will respond to these new restrictions and what further actions Japan may take in the future.
For more stories on the economy and finance, visit RT’s business section.
Source link