Mar 31 (NHK) - The Japanese government plans to submit a bill that would raise tariffs on some Russian imports and strip Moscow of "most favored nation" status.
It's part of additional sanctions over the country's invasion of Ukraine.
The draft law revision is to be presented to the current session of Diet.
"Most favored nation" status is one of the principles set down by the World Trade Organization.
Under it, members are required to apply the most preferential treatment they give to one trade partner to all others.
Once the bill becomes law, the tariff on Russian salmon and salmon roe will rise from 3.5 percent to 5 percent. For crabs, the tariff goes from 4 percent to 6 percent.
The levy on most lumber products will increase from 4.8 percent to 8 percent.
The higher rates are expected to be in place until the end of March next year.
The proposed measure won't affect liquefied natural gas, coal, crude oil and the precious metal palladium because they are tariff-free.
Japan is taking the action along with the other Group of Seven nations to apply more pressure on Russia.
Source: ANNnewsCH
