Japan Bans More Products from Russia, But Not Seafood or Energy
The government in Tokyo has unveiled a new package of sanctions against Russia in connection with Moscow’s military operation in Ukraine.
The latest restrictions, however, exclude imports crucial for the Japanese economy, including seafood and energy.
Further, Japan has revoked Russia’s “most favored nation” trade status.
Japan has revoked Russia's “most favored nation” trade status over its invasion of Ukraine, as Tokyo steps up sanctions amid the Russian military's widespread atrocities against civilians. Japan has also expelled eight Russian diplomats and officials. https://t.co/EsJxc6oWCF
— The Associated Press (@AP) April 20, 2022
The expanded list includes a ban on the import of Russian beer and vodka; engine parts for ships, aircraft, cars and motorcycles; veneer; and certain types of wood and wood chips.
There is still no Japanese ban on Russian fish and seafood, which make up 8.9% of the country’s imports. Tokyo also avoided targeting supplies of Russian crude oil and natural gas, on which the country is heavily dependent.
Asia's nuclear power dilemma: #Ukraine war drives energy turnarounds
Russian gas was once thought a safer alternative to nuclear #energy, especially after Japan's Fukushima disaster. But #sanctions on #Russia are forcing a rethink.
Read our story here: https://t.co/Y5kvS9Dto9 pic.twitter.com/BakOK8YLuT
— Nikkei Asia (@NikkeiAsia) April 20, 2022
US’s tightening sanctions noose on Japan provoked Pearl Harbor, when then ultimately led to Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Yet Japan now is following US in slapping sanctions on Russia. But Japan’s sanctions exempt 3 items it cannot do without: Russian LNG, oil and palladium rare metal.
US's tightening sanctions noose on Japan provoked Pearl Harbor, when then ultimately led to Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Yet Japan now is following US in slapping sanctions on Russia. But Japan's sanctions exempt 3 items it cannot do without: Russian LNG, oil and palladium rare metal. pic.twitter.com/um3lsEK68F
— Brahma Chellaney (@Chellaney) April 20, 2022
In 2021, about 2.3 percent of Russia’s total exports went to Japan.