The Japanese government says it will tighten restrictions on exports of high-tech materials to South Korea. Relations between the two countries have worsened since late last year over a wartime labor issue.
The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry says the tougher rules will apply to three materials used in high-tech products. They include high-purity hydrogen fluoride for production of semiconductors, and materials used in making smartphones.
Starting on Thursday, Japanese exporters will be required to apply for permission for each shipment of the materials to South Korea. Japanese firms have large market shares of the products.
South Korea has reacted sharply. Seoul's trade and industry minister said Japan's move is economic retaliation for South Korean court rulings. The rulings ordered Japanese companies to compensate laborers who say they were forced to work for the companies during World War II.
The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry says the tougher rules will apply to three materials used in high-tech products. They include high-purity hydrogen fluoride for production of semiconductors, and materials used in making smartphones.
Starting on Thursday, Japanese exporters will be required to apply for permission for each shipment of the materials to South Korea. Japanese firms have large market shares of the products.
South Korea has reacted sharply. Seoul's trade and industry minister said Japan's move is economic retaliation for South Korean court rulings. The rulings ordered Japanese companies to compensate laborers who say they were forced to work for the companies during World War II.
◆hydrogen 水素 a colourless gas that is the lightest of all gases, forms water when it combines with oxygen, and is used to produce ammonia and other chemicals. It is a chemical element: symbol H
◆fluoride.フッ化物 a chemical which is believed to help protect teeth against decay
◆retaliation 報復 action against someone who has done something bad to you → revenge
◆ruling 判決an official decision, especially one made by a court
◆compensate 補償する to replace or balance the effect of something bad