Editor’s Note
This article examines the escalating U.S.-led export controls on semiconductor technology to China, including recent agreements with allies. It highlights the intensifying pressure on global supply chains and the strategic competition in this critical industry.
Recently, the United States has been further strengthening export controls to curb China’s advancement in semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. As part of this, it was reported in late January that Japan and the Netherlands reached an agreement with the U.S. regarding export controls on semiconductor manufacturing equipment. In cutting-edge fields like semiconductors, the U.S. is highly likely to further intensify sanctions against China.
Going forward, the upheaval in the semiconductor supply chain from Taiwan to the U.S., Japan, and other countries and regions is expected to intensify further. It is also highly probable that not only the U.S. but other major advanced nations will additionally tighten controls on China regarding semiconductors. This should be viewed not as a short-term issue, but rather as a medium- to long-term structural change in the global economy.
Consequently, for Japan’s semiconductor-related companies, uncertainties surrounding business with China are increasing. On the other hand, the global semiconductor industry will likely need Japan’s manufacturing technology more than ever before. To adapt to the dramatic changes in the global semiconductor industry, Japanese companies should strive even harder to realize cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.
— Akio Makabe, Special Invited Professor, Tama University