Japan has approved the sale of advanced technology resources to South Korea, tempering its prior decisions to impose strict export controls, ahead of scheduled talks to sooth trade tensions, Reuters reported, citing two sources close to the matter.
The dispute is rooted in historic tensions between the two countries, but was sparked last year when a South Korean court ordered Japan-based Nippon Steel Corp. to compensate four Koreans for forced labor during Japan's colonial rule.
Japan retaliated with export restrictions on essential manufacturing materials to South Korea, which responded with threats to push back. In July, Japan restricted shipments of three resources used in chips and displays.
The decision follows some easing of controls by Japan this month. The materials cleared for trade to Korea-based Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. are photoresists, which are essential for the company's chip-based production, and in maintaining the global tech supply chain.
However, the decision does not resolve the trade dispute altogether. "Tokyo’s latest export approval is positive for the local industry, but I don’t see Japan’s move as a conciliatory message to South Korea," a South Korean official said, Reuters reported.
Japan and South Korea's foreign minister, Taro Kono and Kang Kyung-wha, are scheduled to meet Aug. 21 in Beijing. "We will have to actively express our position, but it is a very difficult (situation)," Kang told Reuters.
