Japan Synchs With US On Semiconductor Export Controls

The Japanese government has followed Washington’s lead and subjected 23 items, including advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment, to export controls.

• Nikkei Asia reports: “The move will make it more difficult for companies to export to China… The U.S. has strictly limited exports to China in areas such as manufacturing equipment for advanced semiconductors... and Japan is following suit.”
• Reuters: "Japan, home to major chip equipment makers such as Nikon Corp and Tokyo Electron Ltd, did not specify China as the target of the restrictions, saying manufacturers would need to seek export permission for all regions."
• Japan's Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry Yasutoshi Nishimura said at a press conference: "We are fulfilling our responsibility as a technological nation to contribute to international peace and stability."
• The decision is a major win for the Biden Administration with Japan and the Netherlands, the two countries with the most advanced semiconductor tech, now signed up to US export controls designed to restrain China's development in AI, supercomputing, and advanced military tech like hypersonic missiles.