For the first time since implementing trade curbs on three high-tech materials used in the production of chips and semiconductors,...Japan has approved hydrogen fluoride exports to South Korea.
But Seoul insists this does not indicate a dramatic change of heart on Tokyo's part.
Our Oh Soo-young has the details.
According to Seoul's trade ministry Thursday, Japan has given the green light for the first batch of hydrogen fluoride exports to South Korea... since it introduced tougher trade control measures on three key tech materials for South Korean firms.
The hydrogen fluoride was reportedly requested by Samsung Electronics,... although the exact amount was not confirmed.
The substance is one of three key materials used in the production of semiconductors and displays, which Japan targeted as part of its export curbs on South Korea.
While Japan has, since then, approved the export of photoresist to South Korea on two occasions,... this is the first time it has allowed the shipment of hydrogen fluoride since its trade measures took effect in July.
The Abe administration insists the substance needs rigorous screening as it could be used as poisonous gas.
As Japanese firms account for 70 percent of the world's hydrogen fluoride market,... Tokyo's restrictions have raised concerns they will slow down the production of South Korea's memory chips which are used by major global tech firms, including Apple, Dell and Sony.
Japan's exports of hydrogen fluoride to South Korea plunged 84 percent on-year in July, according to South Korean media.
The South Korean government has been rolling out support measures for local companies,... in order to reduce the nation's dependence on imported substances,.... and instead foster homegrown technology and essential materials.
It said Thursday that Japan's approval of a hydrogen fluoride shipment does not indicate a change in Tokyo's basic stance of taking economic retaliation against South Korea over political issues.
It said Seoul will continue to urge Tokyo to remove its trade curbs.
Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.
