Japan to restrict chipmaking equipment exports, aligning it with U.S. China curbs (updated)

NIKON

31/03/2023 03:04

(Adds context)
       TOKYO, March 31 (Reuters) - Japan's government on Friday
said it plans to restrict exports of 23 types of semiconductor
manufacturing equipment, aligning it with a U.S. push to curb
China's ability to make advanced chips.
    The trade and industry minister in a press release said it
will impose export controls on six categories of equipment used
in chip manufacturing, including cleaning, deposition,
lithography and etching. It did not specify China as the target
of those measures, saying equipment makers will need to seek
export permission for all regions.
    "We are fulfilling our responsibility as a technological
nation to contribute to international peace and stability," the
ministry said, adding that its goal was to stop advanced
technology being used for military purposes.
    The export restrictions, which will come into force in July,
are likely to affect equipment manufactured by a dozen Japanese
companies, such as Nikon Corp  7731.T  and Tokyo Electron Ltd
 8035.T .
    Tokyo's decision comes after the U.S. in October imposed
sweeping restrictions on chipmaking tool exports to China citing
concerns that Beijing planned to use advanced chips to enhance
its military power. Washington, however, needs Japan and the
Netherlands, the other key suppliers of such equipment, to join
it to make those restrictions effective.
    The Netherlands' government in a letter to the country's
parliament this month also said it plans to restrict chipmaking
equipment exports. Dutch company ASML Holding NV  ASML.AS  is a
key supplier to advanced lithography machines.
    Japan and the Netherlands in January agreed join the U.S. in
restrict chipmaking equipment exports to China, sources earlier
said, although Tokyo has never publicly acknowledged that there
was an agreement.
    China has accused the U.S. of being a "tech hegemony"
because of its export restrictions.

 (Reporting by Tim Kelly and Miho Uranaka; Editing by
Christopher Cushing)
 ((tim.kelly@thomsonreuters.com))