China’s chipmaking industry is at risk after Japan joins the US + Netherlands in curbing exports

Chip technology export restrictions to China are a major setback for the country:Japan’s recently introduced chipmaking equipment export restrictions will hold China back from its chip export ambitions, Bloomberg reports, citing industry experts. Japanese firms control key steps in the semiconductor supply chain, like wafer cleaning and design inspection equipment, Bloomberg writes. The country joins the US and the Netherlands — all three major producers of chip-making equipment — in implementing export restrictions to China. While China can ramp up efforts to locally manufacture needed parts, it could take years to catch up, and would hike up the costs of production and result in less competitive products.