Australia to slap import sanctions on Russia, Belarus

ANKARA (AA) - Australia on Thursday announced that it would impose an additional 35% tariff on imports from Russia and Belarus as part of the country's sanctions over the war in Ukraine.

Canberra will also withdraw the Most-Favored-Nation status of Russia starting Friday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in a joint statement.

"On 1 April 2022, Australia will issue a formal notification withdrawing entitlement to the Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) tariff treatment and applying an additional tariff of 35 per cent to all imports from Russia and Belarus. This will take effect from 25 April 2022 and will be in addition to general duty rates that currently apply," said Morrison.

He added that his government was also providing $91 million as military assistance to Ukraine as part of their solidarity with Kyiv against Russian attack.

Morrison added: "To support the people of Ukraine, we are providing $65 million in humanitarian assistance, 70,000 tonnes (77,160 US tons) of thermal coal to support Ukraine's energy security, as well as temporary protection visas and assistance to Ukrainian community groups in Australia."

Earlier, Canberra had banned the export of alumina, or aluminum oxide, as well as aluminum ores (including bauxite), to Russia, with the premier underlining that his government and its partners would impose further sanctions on Russian individuals and entities and prohibit the import of energy, oil, and gas products from that country.

The ban on Russian oil and other energy products will also commence on April 25, according to Morrison.

So far, Australia has barred entry for over 500 individuals and entities, including President Vladimir Putin and other senior Russian officials.

"We strongly support similar action by our international partners to revoke MFN trading arrangements with Russia and Belarus, consistent with their national processes," said the Australian leaders.

Russia's war on Ukraine, which began on Feb. 24, has drawn international outrage, with the EU, US, and UK, among others, implementing tough financial sanctions on Moscow.

At least 1,189 civilians have been killed and 1,901 have been injured in Ukraine, with the true figure likely to be much higher, according to the UN.

More than 4 million Ukrainians have also fled to other countries, with millions more internally displaced, according to the UN refugee agency.

* Writing by Islamuddin Sajid