Japanese authorities are drawing up plans to restrict exports of advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment this spring, Kyodo News reported, citing competent sources.
The government intends to develop draft amendments to the legislative norms regulating the export of technologies and semiconductor-making machines. The new curbs are set to come into effect in the spring of 2023.
At present, Japan’s industrial exports are subject to the provisions of the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act. The new decree will be amended to affect certain technologies and products. Later on, exports from Japan will require special permission from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Tokyo thereby aims to limit the use of advanced production machinery for military purposes. First of all, this applies to the production of semiconductors.
Japan's government officials will soon solicit opinions from companies that export this equipment. Experts believe this move will help develop more effective restrictive measures.
In January 2023, Bloomberg reported that the Netherlands and Japan were poised to join the US initiative designed to restrict technology exports to China. The two countries are the key suppliers of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, the news agency stressed.
