Japan plans to block exports of untraced gold

Nikkei Asia reports that Japan’s Finance Ministry is considering customs-law changes that could bar gold exports when exporters cannot document the supply chain. The ministry is aiming to adopt a framework as soon as fiscal 2027. Recognized gold imports totaled 10 metric tons in 2025, compared with 228 tons of exports. Nikkei Asia describes a suspected scheme to evade consumption tax on imports and fraudulently claim refunds on exports.