China initiates anti-dumping probe against Japan over key semiconductor chemical

China has launched an anti-dumping investigation against Japan over a crucial chemical for chipmaking, marking a new escalation in tensions between Beijing and Tokyo.

The investigation, set to run for one year with a possible extension of six months, targets dichlorosilane – a chemical that is primarily used in thin-film-deposition processes in semiconductor manufacturing and which plays a key role in the production of various types of chips, according to a notice from the Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday.

The investigation was initiated at the request of a domestic industry player, which submitted preliminary evidence showing that China’s imports of dichlorosilane from Japan increased between 2022 and 2024 while prices fell by 31 per cent.

The domestic industry claimed that the imports from Japan constituted dumping and had caused harm to Chinese domestic production and operations, according to a separate statement from the ministry on Wednesday.

After receiving the application, Chinese authorities determined that it met relevant requirements for launching an anti-dumping investigation and consequently decided to initiate the process, the ministry said.

“The investigating authority will conduct the investigation in accordance with the law, fully safeguard the rights of all interested parties, and make an objective and impartial ruling based on the investigation results,” the statement said.