Japan expands Russia sanctions with industrial goods export ban

Japan will ban exports of 335 industrial items to Russia and impose new restrictions on companies in six countries suspected of supporting Moscow’s defence industry, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (‘METI’) announced on 10 January.

The Cabinet approved measures prohibiting exports of ‘engines and parts for special vehicles, small motorcycles, audio equipment, tools, valves’ and other goods that could strengthen Russia’s industrial base, METI said. The restrictions take effect from 23 January.

‘In light of the current international situation surrounding Ukraine, and in order for Japan to contribute to international efforts for world peace,’ the government will also impose export controls on companies in the United Arab Emirates, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Thailand and Turkey starting 17 January, the ministry said.

The measures, implemented through amendments to Japan’s Export Trade Control Order, follow Tokyo’s decision last week to freeze assets of 11 Russian individuals and 29 organisations, including Vladimir Artyakov of state corporation Rostec and Alrosa CEO Pavel Marinychev.

https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2024/01/20250110001/20250110001.html