Japan Says No Decision Yet on Chip Export Restrictions

(Bloomberg) -- Japan has not yet made a decision regarding restrictions on exports of chip-making equipment, its trade minister said, underscoring U.S. allies’ attempts to seek a middle ground between Washington and Beijing.

This week, the Netherlands, home to ASML Holding NV, said it would curb exports of some so-called immersion DUV lithography products to China. That adds to existing restrictions for the most cutting-edge lithography machines, which are critical to producing the world’s most advanced chips. The rules are expected to be published before the summer, according to a letter sent by the government’s minister of foreign trade to lawmakers on Wednesday.