Leveraging Opportunities in Semiconductor Development... Supporting Sobu-jang Exports
Japanese Government to Invest 10 Trillion Yen in Semiconductors by 2030
44 Trillion Won Invested in Kyushu Semiconductor Facilities by TSMC and Others
Rising Demand Expected for Related Equipment and Parts
The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) announced on October 9 that it held the "Kyushu Semiconductor Industry Exhibition-Linked Export Consultation" in Fukuoka, Japan, from October 8 to 9 in cooperation with the Korea Nano Convergence Industry Association and the Consulate General in Fukuoka. The event included the operation of a product exhibition hall and on-site business-to-business (B2B) consultations.
KOTRA held the "Kyushu Semiconductor Industry Exhibition-Linked Export Consultation" for two days starting from the 8th in Fukuoka, Japan, together with the Korea Nano Convergence Industry Association and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Fukuoka. The appearance of the Korea Pavilion installed inside the event venue. Provided by KOTRA
This event was organized to support Korean materials, parts, and equipment (so-called "Sobu-jang") companies in entering the Japanese supply chain. With the Japanese government currently pursuing policies to revive its semiconductor industry, demand for semiconductor materials, parts, and equipment is expected to increase significantly. Industry insiders are hopeful that this will present a valuable opportunity for Korean Sobu-jang companies.
The Kyushu Semiconductor Industry Exhibition is Japan's leading semiconductor trade show, covering design, equipment, and materials. This year, the event saw the participation of over 400 companies, including Mitsubishi Electric and Tokyo Ohka Kogyo (TOK), which is twice as many as last year, reflecting the heightened interest in the semiconductor industry in Japan.
Kyushu, where the exhibition was held, is known as the heart of Japan's semiconductor industry. Since the 1980s, it has been called "Silicon Island" and has established itself as a hub for the Japanese semiconductor sector. In particular, since TSMC, the world's leading foundry company from Taiwan, announced the construction of a factory in Kumamoto Prefecture in 2021, investment has been concentrated in the region, with cumulative facility investment exceeding 4.7 trillion yen (approximately 44 trillion won) as of last year. The Japanese government also plans to invest 10 trillion yen (about 94 trillion won) in the semiconductor and AI sectors by 2030 and is expanding tax and financial support to attract global companies.
As investment and factory construction drive up demand for related equipment and parts, this is expected to create export and supply chain entry opportunities for Korean semiconductor materials, parts, and equipment companies. At the recent Korea-Japan summit, semiconductors and batteries were highlighted as key areas for future industrial cooperation and supply chain connectivity. On September 30, KOTRA and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) also discussed ways to expand cooperation focused on semiconductors and AI at their regular consultative meeting in Tokyo.
Kim Myunghee, Vice President and Head of the Innovation Growth Division at KOTRA, stated, "Now is the time when increased investment by the Japanese government and companies in reviving the semiconductor industry can serve as an opportunity for Korean materials, parts, and equipment companies to enter the Japanese semiconductor supply chain. We will continue to support our semiconductor and Sobu-jang companies in finding new markets by connecting them with overseas demand."
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