Japan increased its imports of Russian LNG and coal in the first…
Japan increased its imports of Russian LNG and coal in the first half of 2026, with trade volume rising by 23% in April compared to the previous year. Japan also boosted auto exports to Russia while maintaining alignment with G7 sanctions.
Consensus
- Japan increased its imports of Russian LNG and coal during the first half of 2026.
- Japan's trade volume with Russia rose by 23% in April 2026 compared to April 2025.
- Japan increased exports of passenger vehicles to Russia in April 2026.
- The Japanese government is sending an economic delegation to Moscow in late May for discussions on protecting assets of Japanese companies operating in Russia.
Points of divergence
- Japan increased LNG imports from Russia by 0.3% and coal imports by 15.8% in the first six months of 2026. — tg_tass_agency
- Japan's import of Russian coal and LNG rose by 128.5% and 29.5%, respectively, in April 2026. — m24
- Japan reduced exports of automotive parts and components to Russia by 26.4% in April 2026. — m24
- Japanese authorities denied media reports about plans to expand cooperation with Russia after the end of the conflict in Ukraine, stating Tokyo will continue following G7 sanctions. — m24
Coverage (3 sources)
- Japan increased LNG and coal imports from Russia by 0.3% and 15.8% respectively in the first six months of 2026 — ТАСС (Telegram)
- Japan increased LNG and coal imports from Russia by 0.3% and 15.8% respectively in the first six months of 2026 — ТАСС (Telegram)
- Japan-Russia trade volume grew by 23% in April — Москва 24