China launches anti-dumping probe into Japan chipmaking chemicalAFP, BEIJINGChina yesterday announced an anti-dumping probe into imports from Japan of a key chemical used in making semiconductors, a day after it banned the export to the country of goods with potential military uses. "The dumping of imported products from Japan has damaged the production and operation of domestic industries," the ministry said in a statement. China on Tuesday blocked exports to Japan of "dual-use" items with potential military uses. More than 70 percent of Japan's rare earth imports are from China, according to the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy. Nomura Research Institute executive economist Takahide Kiuchi said the impact on the Japanese economy would be "extremely severe" if China included rare earths in export controls.

Source: Taipei Times January 08, 2026 08:47 UTC