The President of the Petroleum Association of Japan, Takashi Tsukioka, told reporters on Tuesday, "some firms may resume imports from Iran late December. The amount of the imports will likely grow from January to March."
Tsukioka pointed out the exemption lasts 180 days, and it's unclear what will happen after that, NHK network reported.
He said he expects Japanese wholesalers to bring in as much Iranian oil as possible during those six months.
The US has granted Japan and 7 other economies temporary exemptions from its embargo.