Japan to Lift Tighter Export Controls for S. Korea

   Tokyo, March 16 (Jiji Press)--Japan's industry ministry said Thursday that it will lift its tightened restrictions on exports of semiconductor materials to South Korea.
   In a related move, the South Korean government plans to withdraw a complaint it filed with the World Trade Organization over the Japanese restrictions, according to informed sources.
   The moves come after the two countries resumed a policy dialogue between their officials, following the South Korean government's announcement earlier this month of its plan to resolve the thorny wartime labor issue between the two countries.
   In July 2019, Japan tightened controls on exports to South Korea of three items, including hydrogen fluoride, that are indispensable for semiconductor production, citing security concerns.
   South Korea filed the complaint in September that year, arguing that Japan imposed the tighter restrictions in retaliation for the wartime labor dispute.

(2023/03/16-17:27)

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