Japan intends to ban the export of used cars to Russia as part of “economic sanctions”

Japan intends to ban the export of used cars to Russia as part of additional economic sanctions against the state over the war in Ukraine.

Japanese sources familiar with the matter said on Tuesday that the move to restrict the exports of used Japanese cars, which are in increasing demand in Russia, is aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the embargoes on Moscow by keeping pace with European and U.S. punitive measures, according to Japan’s Kyodo news agency.

While Japan has banned luxury car shipments to Russia worth more than six million yen ($ 43 thousand) since April last year, sources said additional planned sanctions are expected to include cars powered by petrol or diesel engines that exceed 1900 cubic centimeters, as well as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles.

The United States and Europe strengthened the ban on auto exports to Russia after the G-7 meeting in Hiroshima last May, where leaders agreed in a joint statement to take action to restrict exports of all items that could help Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Earlier, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno criticized Russia’s withdrawal from an agreement allowing the export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea, saying that the decision was “very unfortunate” and that Japan would closely monitor its impact on global food supplies.

Matsuno added that, in cooperation with the G7 countries and the international community, Japan would strongly urge Russia to return to the grain export agreement to ensure the resumption of the initiative.

The G7 includes Britain, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Japan and the United States as well as the European Union.