TOKYO -- Japanese exports of etching gas to South Korea surged in December, trade statistics released Thursday show, marking a reversal after Tokyo turned off the spigot for the vital semiconductor material amid rising bilateral tensions last summer.
Japan shipped 793 tons of etching gas, or hydrogen fluoride, to South Korea last month, the Finance Ministry reports. Though the figure represents a 73% drop on the year, the exports soared by a factor of 838 from November as Tokyo green-lights more shipments.
