Japan imposes export restrictions on chip manufacturing equipment

The main goal of the Japanese government's decision is to prevent China from developing high-quality semiconductors that can be used for military purposes, writes the International Courier.

The order of the Ministry of Commerce, which requires exporting companies to obtain a separate permit to sell such equipment abroad, came into force on Sunday. This step provoked a negative reaction from China, although the order does not mention China's Japanese agency.

According to the new rules, equipment for cleaning, testing, and lithography, which is used to create complex patterns and is necessary for the production of modern chips, was banned.

At the same time, the Japanese government has simplified the export of such equipment to 42 countries and regions, including the United States, Japan's key security ally, South Korea and Taiwan.

About 10 Japanese companies that produce such equipment may be affected by the new rules, but Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said that the impact on domestic companies will be limited, as export controls are aimed at equipment for the production of advanced chips, which occupy a small segment of the market.

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 24/07/2023