Japan to ban exports of 292 items to Russia, Belarus

Japan has banned nearly 292 items and technologies from being exported to Russia and Belarus to prevent them from boosting their military capabilities, as part of sanctions over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

The embargo on exports covers 266 products, such as semiconductors, communication equipment, and cutting-edge materials, and 26 technologies, including design programs for chip-making machines, according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry.

Furthermore, the export of oil-refining equipment and related technologies to Russia, one of the world's leading oil producers, will be banned.

All export transactions to 49 military-related Russian companies and two Belarusian organizations, including government agencies and ship and aircraft manufacturers, are now prohibited.

Japan's decision to join the economic sanctions against Russia came as other Western nations, including members of the Group of Seven wealthy countries, have been increasing economic sanctions on Moscow as the situation in Ukraine continues to deteriorate.

Belarus has been accused of aiding the Russian aggression.

The US and other European countries have likewise prohibited the export of military goods and general-purpose commodities that might be used to enhance Russian forces' capabilities.

However, exports to the two countries for humanitarian purposes could be allowed.

After Russia invaded Ukraine, Japan tightened export controls on 235 products, such as semiconductors, to Russia and Belarus.

In 2021, Japan's exports to Russia were worth about $7.3 billion, with shipping vehicles and automobile parts among the major products. According to the Finance Ministry, the figure was around 1 percent of Japan's total worldwide sales of 83 trillion yen.