Japan curbs technology exports to South Korea

Japan made good on its threat to curb technology exports to South Korea on Thursday, a move expected to deal a major blow to South Korean manufacturers amid a diplomatic row over wartime labor.The new restrictions apply to three materials -- fluorinated polyimide, resist and hydrogen fluoride -- used in the manufacturing of semiconductors and display screens for smartphones and TVs.Companies will now have to apply for individual licenses to export the materials, a process that can take around 90 days. South Korea had previously been exempt from the process, a status it shared with the Unite…READ FULL ARTICLE