Japan Leads Global Chip-Gear Spending with 82% Increase.
Japan plans to increase its spending on chip-gear by 82% to $7 billion, as it aims to boost its position in the global supply chain of the semiconductor market. This move comes as Japan plans to limit exports of crucial equipment needed to manufacture chips, which has fueled China's fears that Japan is supporting US efforts to suppress the Chinese semiconductor industry. China has its own chip foundries, but they supply only low-end processors used in autos and appliances.