How China links ensure Japan’s illicit pianos keep Russia’s elite entertained
That same year, exports of grand pianos from China to Russia jumped to 830 units from 155 in 2022, the UN data shows. The statistics do not include a breakdown of the country of origin for each piano.
The trade figures suggest another example of restricted goods making their way to Russia through indirect routes via its trade partners. They raise doubts about the effectiveness of the sanctions even if they do not by themselves confirm the breaking of any rules.
Officials in Japan have acknowledged the difficulty of enforcement and also the need to raise awareness of how sanctions actually apply.