Japan to ban Russian coal imports in surprise policy shift: Kishida

Bloomberg

Japan will ban imports of Russian coal, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said, in a bold policy shift that adds pressure on Moscow after the European Union announced its own embargo on the fuel.
“Russia’s cruel and inhumane actions are coming to light one after another all over Ukraine,” Kishida told reporters in Tokyo, adding Moscow must be made to take responsibility. “We will ban imports of Russian coal.”
Japan will secure alternative sources quickly and cut imports in stages, reducing reliance on Russia for energy, he added, declining to give a time frame for the move.
The coal plan signals a policy reversal for Japan, which had previously drawn a line at cutting energy ties to Russia because of its heavy dependence on fuel imports.
Russian coal imports make up about 13% of Japan’s power-generating supply and are also used in steel production and the cement industry.
But while the action on coal came as a surprise, Kishida has been acting with unprecedented speed to clamp down on Russia, including by freezing the assets of individuals and entities, and stripping the country of its most-favoured nation trade status.
The prime minister has sought to show solidarity with the US and Europe on sanctions, amid fear that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could embolden China to take similar action over disputed territory in Asia.
The sanctions have been popular with the public, polling has shown, boosting support for Kishida’s government ahead of an upper house election set to be held in July. The premier also pledged his government would compile the biggest-possible measures to tackle rising prices.
Japan’s move comes as pressure builds against Russia in response to reports that the country’s forces committed apparent war crimes in Ukraine.
The EU agreed to ban Russian coal imports, while the Group of Seven leaders issued a statement saying the
countries would ban new
investment into Russia’s
energy sector and expand trade restrictions, including phasing out and banning coal imports.
However, several power generators in Japan said they wouldn’t make additional spot or term purchases of Russian coal.