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Korea Reduces Dependance on Japan’s Semiconductor Material’s Industry
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Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced a considerable reduction on the country’s  reliance on Japanese hydrogen fluoride, fluorinated polyimide and EUV photoresist since the Japanese government's import restrictions implemented two years ago. According to the ministry, South Korea's hydrogen fluoride imports from Japan amounted to US$28.4 million in January to May 2019 but stood at US$4.6 million in the same period of this year. In addition, South Korean companies have reduced their reliance on Japanese fluorinated polyimide used in foldable displays by adopting UTG as an alternative material. When it comes to EUV photoresist, South Korean companies have reduced their dependence by importing more from Belgium. In addition, those companies’ reliance on 100 key items from Japan fell from 31.4 percent to 24.9 percent in two years. South Korea’ dependence on Japan in the material, component and equipment industries as a whole fell from 16.8 percent to 15.9 percent in that period. Two weeks ago, we reported on Korea’s effort to replace Japan’s dominant position in supplying FMMs by funding APS to develop a substitute.