Since April 5, Japan has banned the import of luxury goods into Russia – cars, motorcycles, alcohol, cosmetics, works of art, jewelry and jewelry. This is another package of economic sanctions for the invasion of Ukraine.
This was announced on Tuesday at a press conference in Tokyo by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, Koichi Hagiuda. – The government has decided to ban the export of luxury goods to Russia, including premium cars, jewelry and ornaments. According to him, the ban comes into force on April 5.
In addition, Japanese government secretary general Hirokazu Matsuno called on local companies to refuse if Russia demands payment in rubles for economic transactions, especially in the energy sector.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking last week in the Japanese parliament on Wednesday, urged Tokyo to impose a trade embargo against Russia.
Freezing of Russian assets
Earlier, Tokyo excluded Russia from the list of the most privileged countries in terms of trade, freezing the assets of individuals associated with the Russian government, including oligarchs, seven banks, limiting transactions with the Russian central bank, banning the export of almost 300 goods, and suspending the issuance of Japanese visas for some Russians.
In the face of the Russian invasion, Japan also supported Ukraine. The military received defensive weapons, as well as equipment necessary for field operations. In turn, humanitarian aid was sent to the civilian population, including medicines, food and money. Tokyo also offered assistance to refugees from Ukraine.
Japan is a major exporter of goods, including luxury goods, to Russia. The share of cars in this area is 42%. In 2020, the proceeds from the export of cars from Japan to Russia should have amounted to about five billion dollars – at that time almost 200 thousand cars were exported. So far, automakers such as Toyota, Honda, Mazda and Nissan have decided to suspend deliveries to Russia.