The Japanese government has expressed concerns over China’s recent decision to impose export restrictions on dichlorosilane (DCS), a crucial chemical in semiconductor production. These new measures demand that Chinese importers of DCS from Japan pay cash deposits as high as 99.2%. This move impacts Japanese companies such as Shin-Etsu Chemical and Denal Silane, prompting Japan to evaluate the potential repercussions on its businesses.
China has justified these restrictions by citing the preliminary results of an anti-dumping investigation, which suggested that Japanese DCS exports have negatively affected China’s local industry. According to Chinese authorities, these measures are temporary, with a definitive decision anticipated following the conclusion of the investigation. Japan, however, has called on China to ensure that these restrictions do not adversely and unfairly impact Japanese enterprises, pledging to take appropriate countermeasures if necessary.
This development occurs against a backdrop of increasingly strained relations between China and Japan, partly due to Japan’s stance on Taiwan. In recent times, China has also introduced other trade and export limitations involving Japanese firms and products that could be used for military purposes.
Dichlorosilane plays a vital role in the semiconductor manufacturing process, as it is used to deposit ultra-thin layers of silicon and other materials on computer chips. As a leading global producer of ultrapure DCS, Japan’s semiconductor industry could face significant challenges due to these export controls, potentially affecting the broader supply chain.
