The joint statement of the Japan-US summit meeting on the 23rd included cooperation between the two countries for the development of next-generation semiconductors.
The two countries used to have trade friction over semiconductors, but now each has its own strengths, and experts say that cooperation is a complementary relationship.
The joint statement released after the Japan-US summit meeting on the 23rd included establishing work teams for the development of next-generation semiconductors in both countries and working to strengthen the supply chain = supply network. I did.
Akira Minamikawa, senior director of British research firm OMDIA, who is familiar with the semiconductor industry, said, "It turns out that Russia's military invasion of Ukraine can easily break the world's supply chain. I think that increasing it will lead to a stable supply of semiconductors, "he said.
Due to the fierce trade friction between Japan and the United States in the 1980s and the strengthening of the "Japan-US Semiconductor Agreement," Japan was required to import semiconductors made in the United States.
Along with this, the share of Japanese semiconductor manufacturers continued to decline, but on the other hand, we still have strengths in "manufacturing equipment" for making semiconductors and "production of materials" such as silicon wafers.
Mr. Minamikawa said, "American semiconductor manufacturers have a sales share of about 50% of the world, but in terms of materials, Japan has about 56% of the world share and is overwhelmingly strong. Because the strong parts are different between Japan and the United States, I think it will be a very good partner, "he said. If Japan and the United States cooperate, it will be a mutually complementary relationship, and it can be expected to be effective in strengthening the supply chain.
On top of that, he expressed his hope that cooperation between the two countries would progress in terms of human resource development.