China has launched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of dichlorosilane from Japan, a key material used in semiconductor manufacturing, marking a fresh escalation in trade and technology tensions between the two Asian powers.
The Ministry of Commerce announced the probe on Wednesday, saying it followed an application filed by Tangshan Sanfu Electronic Materials Co., a Chinese producer.
The investigation will examine Japanese imports of dichlorosilane between July 2024 and June 2025. Authorities said the review is expected to conclude within one year, though it may be extended by an additional six months if required.
Dichlorosilane is widely used to create thin films in semiconductor production, including logic, memory and analog chips, making it a strategically sensitive material.
Why Dichlorosilane Matters in the Chip Supply Chain
According to the commerce ministry, dichlorosilane plays a crucial role in advanced chipmaking processes, particularly in vapor deposition techniques used across the semiconductor industry.
A Bloomberg report noted that the investigation could have implications for supply chains at a time when China is attempting to strengthen domestic chip production while reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.
China Tightens Export Controls on Japan
The anti-dumping move comes alongside new Chinese export restrictions that took effect Tuesday. Beijing has banned the export of dual-use items — goods with both civilian and military applications — to Japan when they are intended for military purposes.
The ministry also barred exports for any other uses that could enhance Japan’s military capabilities, without specifying individual scenarios.
Controlled items include drones, nuclear-related materials, aerospace engine components and special alloys. China has previously applied similar restrictions, including limits on rare-earth exports during trade disputes with the United States.
Political Tensions Linked to Taiwan Strait Comments
A spokesperson for the commerce ministry said the latest measures were directly linked to remarks made last year by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding potential Japanese involvement in the Taiwan Strait.
Those comments, the spokesperson said, violated the One-China principle and had a “malicious nature with profoundly detrimental consequences.”
Rising Trade Friction Between China and Japan
The combined anti-dumping investigation and export curbs signal a broader hardening of China’s stance toward Japan amid growing geopolitical friction, especially over Taiwan, defense policy and semiconductor supply chains.
Analysts say the measures could further strain bilateral economic ties and add uncertainty for regional technology markets already facing heightened political risk.
