Like the Netherlands, Japan announced on Friday its intention to restrict the export of semiconductor manufacturing equipment. “The measure aims to complement efforts to prevent the diversion of technology for military purposes,” an official from the export control division of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Agriculture told AFP. ‘Industry (Meti).
The restrictions are expected to affect 23 types of advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment, according to the ministry, which was expected to announce more details to media later in the day. These measures are due to come into force in July, local media reported.
The Japanese Minister of Economy, Yasutoshi Nishimura, will now seek the public’s opinion on this project, also told AFP a spokesperson for Meti.
A sector under pressure
International tensions have increased in recent years around the strategic sector of semiconductors, these electronic components essential to the operation of smartphones, connected cars but also military equipment.
China and the United States are waging a fierce battle over semiconductor manufacturing, and in the name of national security, Washington has stepped up sanctions once morest Chinese chipmakers in recent months.
Read also: In chip war, US keeps pressure on China
Faced with these restrictions, China announced at the end of 2022 the filing of a procedure with the World Trade Organization (WTO), accusing Washington of jeopardizing global supply chains.
The Netherlands, for their part, announced in early March that they were also going to curb the export of technologies for the manufacture of electronic chips for “security” reasons, following pressure from the United States in this direction. China had sharply criticized the Dutch decision, according to it the result of “harassment and hegemony” of the West.
