Japan Eases Chip Export Curbs To SoKor

Japan will ease export controls of key chip materials against South Korea after Seoul decided to retract its complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) over the matter, Mainichi Japan reported.

Photo Insert: The decisions came as Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held talks with visiting South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol the same day.

The decisions came as Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held talks with visiting South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol the same day.

Kishida said in a joint press conference after their meeting that there was "progress" in discussions regarding export controls.

"Dialogue among relevant ministries and agencies will advance from now on," Kishida added, a few hours after the announcement on eased regulations on exports of three materials.

The Japanese trade ministry also said it will continue to study whether to reinstate South Korea as a preferential trade partner, that status having been removed after the export controls were imposed.

In July 2019, the Japanese government tightened controls on exports to South Korea of three materials -- fluorinated polyimide, resists, and hydrogen fluoride -- used in the production of chips after bilateral ties worsened over wartime labor and other issues.

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