Japan approves exports of etching gas to S. Korea for the first time since imposing export restrictions

일본, 불화수소 첫 수출허가…정부 일희일비 안 한다Japan has approved the export of etching gas to South Korea,... a key component needed to make semiconductors.It is the first time Tokyo has given the greenlight to the material's export since imposing trade restrictions in July.However, the Korean government says Japan's move does not signify a change in stance regarding the two countries' ongoing trade war.Our Seo Eunkyung has the report.The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on Thursday that Japan has approved the first shipment of etching gas to South Korea,... since it began restricting the export of three high-tech materials to the country on July 4th.The etching gas was reportedly ordered by Samsung Electronics,... although the exact amount was not confirmed.Etching gas is a key material for fabricating semiconductor circuits,... and Japanese suppliers account for more than 70 percent of the global market for etching gas with 99-percent purity.Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry refused to confirm whether Tokyo gave its green light to the shipment.Meanwhile,... the Seoul government said a single approval does not indicate a change in Tokyo's stance,... and that Korea continues to seek a complete retraction of Japan's export curbs.Prior to this latest shipment,... Japan had also approved the export of photoresists to South Korea on August 7th and 19th."For Japan, it was necessary to show that the export ban does not violate WTO rules. Also, it would be burdensome for the country to face international criticism if Seoul's semiconductor industry is damaged by its actions."Lee added that since about 90 percent of Japan's etching gas exports are consumed by South Korea,... some Japanese firms could be at risk of bankruptcy if Tokyo stays on its current course.Therefore, Japan may be calibrating its actions to minimize the damage to its own economy and avoid domestic backlash at home.SEO Eunkyung Arirang News.