TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan would face “problem” to right away comply with a transfer to chop off Russian oil imports over the invasion of Ukraine, its minister of economic system, commerce, and business Koichi Hagiuda mentioned on Thursday.

Hagiuda made the comment throughout a go to to Washington, after the European Union’s govt on Wednesday proposed the hardest package deal of sanctions but in opposition to Moscow, together with the embargo on .

U.S. President Joe Biden mentioned he would focus on additional sanctions in opposition to Russia with different leaders from the Group of Seven (G7) superior economies this week, which might strain Japan which is cautious of the influence of the oil embargo.

“Given Japan has its restrict on assets, we might face some problem to maintain in step instantly” with different nations, Hagiuda informed reporters.

Throughout a gathering with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, the 2 agreed on fundamental ideas on semiconductor cooperation, aiming to diversify chip-making capability, enhance transparency, an emergency response to shortages and R&D.

“Because the world is destabilising after the struggle in Ukraine, coordination with like-minded nations is turning into increasingly vital. (In the present day’s) talks served as a serious step in the direction of advancing the Japan-U.S. relationship.”

In a separate assembly with U.S Vitality Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Hagiuda requested the USA to spice up liquefied (LNG) output to assist Japan cut back its vitality reliance on Russia.

Russia oil imports accounted for 4% of Japan’s total oil imports for the final fiscal yr to March. Pure gasoline from Moscow made up 9% of Tokyo’s imports and Russia coal imports accounted for 11%.

Japan would offer public financing to assist Japanese corporations undertake LNG tasks in the USA to put the bottom for funding, Hagiuda mentioned.

The 2 sides agreed to type initiatives aimed toward discussing frequently clear vitality expertise and vitality safety given the Ukraine disaster, they mentioned in a joint assertion.