Japan Extends Restrictions on Trade with Russia Amid Ukraine Conflict
Japan is set to broaden the withdrawal of preferential treatment in its trade with Russia as the conflict in Ukraine continues. The update comes from Kyodo News, citing official sources. The existing restrictions are scheduled to end on March 31, and Japanese regulators are anticipated to sign off on a formal decision to extend the measures by the end of the month, keeping pressure in place on Moscow.
Japan had canceled its preferential trade regime with Russia in March 2022. What began as a one-year ban, planned to stretch until March 2023, was subsequently extended for another year. The current discussion centers on whether to prolong these measures beyond that extended period, reinforcing Tokyo’s stance in conjunction with its allies.
According to the report, Tokyo does not intend to ease sanctions against Moscow. Instead, it plans to maintain economic pressure together with the United States and European partners. This coordinated approach signals continued alignment with Western sanctions policies aimed at pressuring Russia to alter its course in Ukraine.
In another development, the Russian Federation and Japan reportedly reached catch quotas for Russian-origin salmon within a 200-mile zone around Japan. Tokyo expressed satisfaction with the agreements as announced by Yoshimasa Hayashi, the chief cabinet secretary. The arrangement reflects ongoing navigation of fisheries policy alongside broader security and economic considerations amid the sanctions regime.
Earlier reports noted that Japanese labor unions had achieved significant salary increases with support from employers, illustrating a domestic context that intersects with broader economic pressures and trade considerations tied to the evolving relationship with Russia. The interplay between domestic labor dynamics and international policy remains a factor as Tokyo weighs its next steps in trade and sanctions policy with Russia.