Yasutoshi Nishimura, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, holds a press conference in Tokyo, July 28, 2023 (Kyodo News)
Japan decided on Friday to extend its ban on car exports to Russia to include used cars from August 9, in line with sanctions imposed by G7 countries amid Russia’s war with Ukraine.
Japan has already banned the shipment of luxury cars worth more than 6 million yen ($43,000) to Russia since April last year, and the latest measures apply to new and used gasoline and diesel cars with an engine capacity of more than 1,900 cubic centimeters. , electric vehicles will also be eligible. Tires for hybrid vehicles and large vehicles, etc.
Demand for Japanese cars is high in Russia, and with the military invasion of Ukraine that began in February 2022 continuing, the expansion of the ban is likely to deal a further blow to Russia.
Japan’s exports to Russia in 2022 were 603.9 billion yen, down 30% from the previous year. More than half of the passenger cars were used cars.
Yasutoshi Nishimura, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, said at a press conference, “We would like to work with the international community, including the G7 and related ministries, to firmly implement countermeasures.”
Approximately 750 items have been added to the export blacklist, including iron and other metals, boilers, and textiles that can be used to sustain Russia’s industrial activity.
The newly banned items account for about 20% of items exported to Russia in 2021, according to the ministry.
The United States and European countries imposed a ban on car exports to Russia after G7 leaders agreed at their May summit to take measures to restrict exports of any items that could support Russia’s war effort. has been strengthened.