Japan/South Korea’s Actions
Japan to tighten export rules for high-tech materials to S Korea
May expand the list of restricted items to include electronic components and other materials (Japantoday 07-01 )
Claims that not in violation of WTO rules (Reuters, 07-02)
Uses trade restrictions as a weapon against South Korea (Los Angeles Times 07-21)
No plan to retract or renegotiate to South Korea (ABCNew 07-09)
Remove South Korea from its “white list” (NIKKEI 0802)
South Korea’s semiconductor and panel industry are facing a very tight situation
To file suit with WTO against Japan’s export restrictions(XinhuaNet 07-01)
Warns of ‘corresponding measures’ against Japan’s export curbs(TheKoreaTimes 07-04)
Hold talks with Japan but ended without progress. ( The Korea Herald 07-12)
With no end in sight to the spat, the trade tensions could lead to higher prices for customers globally. (South China Morning Post 07-18)
Other Parties are involved
Russia is offering to supply etching gas to South Korea. (Nikkei Asian Review 07-12)
The U.S. has no plans to mediate a spat between Japan and South Korea(JapanTimes 07-14), but Trump offers to help if both sides want him. (Reuters, 07-20)
Samsung/Hynix’’s Actions
Samsung is seeking opportunities by all means.
Samsung boss visits Tokyo to begin meetings with business leaders there to discuss the issue, also met with SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son. (ZDNET 07-08)
Secures emergency supply of key materials from Japan, while it is unknown how he made it or how much the stock is. （The Straits Times 07-14）
Tests non-Japan materials(hydrogen fluoride) from China mainland, Taiwan and local, and may take 2-3 months. (Nikkei Asian Review 07-17)
Asks partners to stockpile Japanese components (Reuters 07-18)
Seeks to diversify smartphone display, battery suppliers like Kolon Industries and SKC (the Investor 07-21)
SK Hynix is preparing for worse future
SK Hynix warns of chip supply disruption on Japan’s export curbs（Reuter 07-25）