Japanese government held a Cabinet meeting today and decided to exclude Korea from the Whitelist of 27 countries that receive preferential trade treatment. The revised order would take effect Aug. 28.
From 28 August, Japanese exporters will require government approval each time they export a shipment of strategic items to Korea.
Korea’s presidential office expressed deep regret over Japan’s decision.
President Moon Jae-in is scheduled to hold an emergency Cabinet meeting to discuss interagency strategies.
South Korea Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha said South Korea is gravely concerned by Japan’s decision at an annual meeting of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Bangkok.
