The Federal Government has banned the export of Australian luxury goods, such as wine, racehorses and perfume, to Russia in a further wave of sanctions over the Ukraine invasion.
Other banned items include leather goods like handbags, furs, rugs, carpets, lobster, truffles, perfume, jewellery, make-up products and luxury clothing worth more than $500 an item.
Russia accounts for only a tiny proportion of Australia’s wine exports, but sales were rising and an industry body last year highlighted it as a promising market after China sharply raised tariffs.
In our last article we reported that Australia had slapped hefty new tariffs on imports from Russia. While it might at first appear that these latest sanctions cause more harm to our exporters than to the recipient, it is believed that if Russia’s aggression is allowed to go unchecked, the long-term result would be of greater detriment to global trade.
Foreign Minister Marise Payne said the sanctions aimed to target Russian President Vladimir Putin and his wealthy supporters. They are being undertaken in coordination with key partners to restrict the Russian elite’s access to such goods. The European Union and the United States already have bans in effect. Japan’s ban will enter into force this week, and the United Kingdom’s ban is due to follow soon.
Ms Payne reiterated that Australia has no immediate plans to expel Russian diplomats, highlighting the importance of direct communication with Russia, but said officials would continue to review that position.
A media release from the office of Senator the Hon Marise Payne, Minister for Foreign Affairs, dated 05 April 2022 reads:
The Australian Government will prohibit the export of luxury goods to Russia, including wine, high value cosmetics and parts for luxury vehicles.
These sanctions target President Putin and his wealthy enablers, not ordinary Russian consumers. They are being undertaken in coordination with key partners to restrict the Russian elite’s access to such goods. The European Union and the United States already have bans in effect. Japan’s ban will enter into force today, and the United Kingdom’s ban is due to follow soon.
The Australian Government is deeply committed to imposing the highest costs on Russia for President Putin’s illegal and unprovoked war.
This ban follows our targeted financial sanctions on President Putin, members of his Government, Russian oligarchs, propagandists and disinformation operatives, as well as senior Russian military leaders. It also follows our ban on the export of alumina and bauxite to Russia.
The Australian Government reiterates our unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and for the people of Ukraine.
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