Over 50% of Japan’s exports of semiconductor manufacturing equipment went to China for a third straight quarter in the three months through March, which indicates a strong surge in demand for this Japanese technology. According to reports, Japanese trade data shows China accounting for half the shipments of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, components for this machinery as well as gear for making flat-panel displays. The value of these exports to China jumped 82% on the year in the March quarter to $3.32 billion, the highest figure in data going back to 2007.
Japan last July began requiring official approval from its trade ministry to send manufacturing equipment for cutting-edge semiconductors, such as 14-nanometer and more advanced logic chips, to destinations other than friendly countries.
Chinese customs data shows, with purchases from Japan and the Netherlands rising.
Chinese government data shows monthly imports in this category continuing to rise year over year through April, hovering around $4 billion.
Japan’s global chipmaking equipment exports rose 13% on the year last quarter, the first upturn in five quarters.
Jeffrey Newman is a whistleblower lawyer, whose firm represents whistleblowers in healthcare fraud cases under the False Claims Act (FCA) and also under the Securities and Exchange, FINCEN and CFTC whistleblower programs. He can be reached at Jeff@JeffNewmanLaw.com or at 617-823-3217
