China's tungsten export curbs threaten Japan's AI chip supply chain
China's new restrictions on exports of strategic mineral tungsten directly threaten Japan's AI chip production ecosystem. According to SCMP analysis, Japan sources 78% of its tungsten supply from China, and the mineral is critical for semiconductor lithography equipment and EUV masks. Tokyo is accelerating its search for alternative suppliers as the strategic message behind Beijing's policy is debated.
South China Morning Post6 h agoASML RNECF