China initiates anti-dumping probe into Japanese chemical import

China's Ministry of Commerce announced on Wednesday that it has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of dichlorosilane originating from Japan. Dichlorosilane is a chemical critical to the manufacture of semiconductor chips.

The investigation is not scheduled to conclude until January next year, and could be extended for an additional six months if deemed necessary, according to a ministry statement. On Tuesday, the ministry announced control measures on the export of dual-use items to Japan.

According to a ministry spokesperson, the investigation was initiated after requests by domestic manufacturers in China.

"The preliminary evidence submitted by the applicant indicates that from 2022 to 2024, the volume of dichlorosilane imported from Japan showed an overall increasing trend, with its cumulative price decline reaching 31 percent," the spokesperson said.

According to the spokesperson, the dumped imports from Japan have caused injury to the production and operations of the domestic industry.

The investigating authority will conduct the probe in accordance with the law, fully safeguard the rights of all interested parties, and render an objective and fair ruling based on the findings of the investigation, the spokesperson added.