The Japanese government blocked South Korea’s initial request for a World Trade Organization dispute inquiry into Tokyo’s export-license restrictions on electronics components.
During a meeting in Geneva on Monday, the Japanese delegation said its restrictions on three classes of chemicals used in the production of semiconductors and digital displays are permitted by WTO rules and explicitly tied its defense to the trade body’s national security exemption.
WTO rules prevent Japan from blocking a dispute inquiry if South Korea returns with a second request at the next WTO dispute-settlement meeting. The next such meeting is scheduled for July 29, but the WTO could hold a special session before then if South Korea lodges a second request.