Summary:
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Twenty-three different types of semiconductor manufacturing equipment will be affected by the regulations.
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The US and China are embroiled in a nasty trade war over semiconductors, which power everything from mobile phones to military weapons.
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The equipment provided by big technology companies like Tokyo Electron and Nikon will be subject to Japan’s regulations.
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These will impact exports of anything from immersion lithography machines to tools for cleaning silicon wafers.
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No matter where in the globe the chips are produced, Washington stated in October that it would want licences from businesses exporting them to China using US equipment or software.
Following similar actions by the US and the Netherlands, the Japanese government says it intends to impose limits on some exports of components used to make computer chips.
Twenty-three different types of semiconductor manufacturing equipment will be affected by the regulations.
The US and China are embroiled in a nasty trade war over semiconductors, which power everything from mobile phones to military weapons.
As a result of export restrictions put in place by Washington, China has frequently referred to the US as a “tech hegemony.”
The trade and industry ministry of Japan’s statement from Friday did not mention China or the US.
According to the ministry, “We are doing our part as a technical nation to contribute to international peace and stability.”
Before the policy is implemented in July, the public will have the opportunity to comment on it.
Yasutoshi Nishimura, the minister of trade for Japan, told reporters that the action had nothing to do with American sanctions.
We believe the impact on businesses will be minimal, and we will continue exporting if our goods are not being redirected for military purposes, Mr Nishimura said.
Yoshimasa Hayashi, the Japanese foreign minister, was scheduled to visit Beijing this weekend when the announcement was made.
To have “an honest and transparent discussion to foster a constructive and solid partnership,” Mr Hayashi said he would meet with his Chinese colleague Qin Gang.
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In the race for semiconductors, the US is outperforming China.
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A major microprocessor company claims a Chinese employee stole data.
The equipment provided by big technology companies like Tokyo Electron and Nikon will be subject to Japan’s regulations.
These will impact exports of anything from immersion lithography machines to tools for cleaning silicon wafers.
As part of making microchips, lithography machines use lasers to print tiny patterns on silicon.
No matter where in the globe the chips are produced, Washington stated in October that it would want licences from businesses exporting them to China using US equipment or software.
The Netherlands and Japan had also received a similar request from the US.
The Dutch government announced last month that to safeguard national security; it will impose limitations on exporting its “most advanced” microprocessor technology.
Liesje Schreinemacher, the Dutch minister of commerce, stated that the measures will impact “particular technology in the semiconductor production cycle.”
Without mentioning China or Dutch chip equipment manufacturer ASML, she continued that the government had taken “the technological changes and geopolitical environment” into account.
One of the most significant companies in the worldwide supply chain for microchips is ASML. Its machines make the most cutting-edge chips in the world.
