The Japanese government decided Friday to continue denying Russia its "most-favored-nation" trade status for another year from the end of March, as part of economic sanctions against Moscow over its bloody invasion of Ukraine.
In April 2022, Japan's parliament gave the green light to measures that would deprive Russia of benefits such as reduced tariffs for a year as part of punitive sanctions on the country. The latest decision is the second extension.
Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said at a press conference on Friday that Japan will address Russia's aggression in Ukraine, which began in February 2022, "in cooperation with the international community."
All imports from Russia will continue to be subject to higher duties until the end of March 2025, including a 5 percent imposition on salmon, up from the previous 3.5 percent, and 6 percent on crab, up from 4 percent.
Related coverage:
Japan urges lifting of seafood ban by China, Russia at WTO session
