According to Chinanews.com, the Korea International Broadcasting Station (KBS) stated that Japan has restricted exports of three core semiconductor materials to South Korea for eight months. The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Energy said on the 17th that it would strive to achieve The self-sufficiency of parts and equipment will completely eliminate the supply shortage caused by Japan's restrictions on the export of three materials within this year.
In July 2019, the Japanese government restricted the export of high-purity hydrogen fluoride, photoresist, and fluoropolyimide semiconductor materials to South Korea. After negotiations between the two countries, the Japanese government slightly relaxed the export restrictions on photoresist to South Korea, but still restricts the export of these three materials.
It is understood that at the end of last year, the Japanese government slightly loosened and announced that it has partially lifted restrictions on the export of photoresists in South Korea. Japanese companies have been licensed to provide LG, Samsung and SK Hynix with three years of photoresist Without having to get approval for each shipment. However, restrictions on fluorinated polyimide and high-purity hydrogen fluoride have not been relaxed.
Earlier, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Energy stated that South Korea has established a technology for mass production of high-purity hydrogen fluoride, and if the technology has no problems in terms of profitability and stable supply, it will greatly reduce dependence on Japanese companies.
To this end, Soulbrain, a South Korean chemical materials company, has established a new plant in Gongju, Chungcheongnam-do and has started producing hydrofluoric acid solutions. According to relevant sources, Soulbrain's production capacity has been greatly increased, and its production capacity will be able to meet about 70 to 80% of South Korean demand.
KBS said that South Korean President Moon Jae-in said at the meeting that civilian officials worked together to overcome difficulties, lowered the dependence of the three materials on Japan, and was confident that South Korea would achieve self-sufficiency in materials, parts and equipment.