Japan to expand Russia-bound export ban to li-ion batteries, industrial items

Japan will expand its Russia-bound export ban to include 164 additional industrial items such as lithium-ion batteries, gas pipes and car engine oil, the trade ministry said on Friday.

The latest addition to Japan's export control list as part of its sanctions against Moscow's actions in Ukraine, which also includes thermostats, nitrocellulose products and woodworking machines, will take effect on April 17, the ministry said.

A ban on imports of Russian diamonds for non-industrial use, a measure announced after Japan and other Group of Seven nations met virtually with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in December, will start on May 10, according to the ministry.