Japan Bans Steel and Iron Imports From South Africa
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TOKYO — Japan today announced additional sanctions against South Africa, including a ban on iron and steel imports, to protest that nation’s apartheid racial segregation system.
The new sanctions do not affect Japanese imports of South African coal or iron ore, more major items, and were therefore viewed as limited. Japan, which earlier restricted the sale of computers to Pretoria, is South Africa’s No. 2 trading partner.
“The situation in South Africa, which shows no sign of improvement, has led to such a serious stage that some steps must be taken,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Masaharu Gotoda said after the Cabinet approved the new sanctions.
Gotoda also said Japan will stop giving South Africans tourist visas and cut air links between the countries.
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