The Korean government will exclude Japan from its "white country" list as early as this week.
According to the government on Sept. 15, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy will announce a revised notice on the import and export of strategic materials to exclude Japan from the nation’s white country list as early as this week.
After receiving opinions on the revision until Sept. 3, the ministry has completed all external procedures such as the review of regulations and the review of the Ministry of Government Legislation, and only internal procedures such as the issuance of approval and government gazette remain.
The current strategic import and export notice classifies the export area of strategic goods into the “Ga” region for white countries and the “Na” region for non-white countries. There are 29 countries in the Ga region, including the United States and Japan.
Japan imposed restrictions on exports of three semiconductor materials to Korea on July 4, and Korea was excluded from Japan's white country list on June 28. In response, the Korean government has been preparing countermeasures.
Even if a revision is made to the notice of import and export of strategic goods, the ministry plans to give permission to Japan to export strategic goods for normal purposes as soon as possible, so as not to damage domestic companies.
It has also maintained an open stance after the revision, saying that Korea is ready to respond anytime and anywhere if Japan wants dialogue.
