The trade dispute between South Korea and Japan might be worsening,... but it's been found that the Japanese government HAS authorized a second round of South Korea-bound shipments of one of the key materials covered by Tokyo's export restrictions.<br />Kim Hyo-sun reports.<br />The Japanese government has reportedly authorized a second shipment of industrial material under its export restrictions to South Korea,... amid the continued trade tensions between the two neighbors.<br />According to industry and government sources,... Japan once again approved a request from a local manufacturer to export photoresist to South Korean chipmaker Samsung Electronics.<br />This is the second such approval since Tokyo announced export curbs on three key materials to Seoul in July.<br />The latest batch, if shipped,... is said to be six months' worth of supplies for the South Korean chipmaker.<br />Many have pointed out that photoresist, which is an indispensable component in semiconductor production, is rarely used for military purposes, and thus should not be targeted by the export ban.<br />Some analysts note that such move could be a friendly gesture,... but many still believe it cannot be considered as a means to alleviate uncertainties.<br />An industry official says that, although it's good news Tokyo has again approved an outbound shipment,... there are still many concerns as Japan has not yet approved a single import request for etching gas from South Korea.<br />Some also interpret the Japanese move as a message ahead of a possible meeting between the countries' top diplomats in China on Wednesday.<br />Kim Hyo-sun, Arirang News.<br />
