Japan Expands Vehicle Export Ban To Russia

Japanese/UNSPLASH/Joedith Lego Yokohama

JAKARTA - Japan has decided to expand its ban on vehicle exports to Russia from August 9 covering used cars in line with sanctions by Group Seven (G-7) countries amid Moscow's attack on Ukraine.

Previously, Japan had banned shipments to Russia of premium vehicles worth more than 6 million yen (approximately IDR 649 million) since April 2022.

Japan's latest move will also prohibit exports of new vehicles and used gasoline and diesel fuel with engine capacities passing 1,900 cc, electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as tires for large vehicles.

Japanese cars have high demand in Russia and the extended ban is likely to be a new blow to Moscow amid its military invasion of Ukraine which began in February 2022.

The value of Japanese exports to Russia reached a total of 603.9 billion yen (around Rp65.3 trillion) in 2022, down 30 percent from the previous year. Passenger cars, especially used ones, accounted for more than half of these figures.

"In cooperation with the international community, including G7 countries as well as relevant ministries and institutions, we will firmly take that action," said Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yasutoshi Nishimura as quoted by ANTARA from Kyodo-OANA, Friday, July 28.

A total of 750 items were added to the export blacklist, including iron and other metals,boillaries and fiber that could be used for Russian industrial activities.

Barang-barang barang-baru dilarang menyumbangkan sekitar 20 persen dari nilai ekspor ke Rusia pada tahun 2021, menurut kementerian.

The United States and European countries are reinforcing a ban on vehicle exports to Russia after the leader of the G-7 countries reached an agreement at their summit in May to limit exports of all goods that could help Russia's war efforts.