搞垮日本芯片产业40年后，美国又盯上了韩国

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the historical parallels between Japan and South Korea in the semiconductor industry, highlighting the challenges South Korea faces due to U.S. technology restrictions and the need for independent innovation to avoid becoming a pawn in geopolitical conflicts [5][88]. Group 1: Historical Context - In 1985, the Plaza Accord ended Japan's semiconductor dominance, leading to a significant decline in its market share [3][25]. - Japan's semiconductor industry, which once held over 48% of the global market, saw its share drop to less than half by 1995 due to U.S. trade measures [26]. - South Korea's semiconductor industry, initially supported by U.S. technology, grew rapidly, capturing over 30% of the global DRAM market by the mid-1990s [27][28]. Group 2: Current Challenges for South Korea - The U.S. plans to tighten regulations on South Korean companies, requiring individual licenses for each piece of American equipment imported, which could stifle innovation and growth [5][6]. - South Korea's semiconductor industry relies heavily on U.S. technology and equipment, with over 70% of the technology used in its factories coming from American firms [71][72]. - Despite holding approximately 14% of the global semiconductor market and dominating the DRAM and NAND flash sectors, South Korea risks losing its market position due to U.S. policy changes [69][70]. Group 3: Geopolitical Dynamics - The article emphasizes the interdependence between South Korea and China, noting that over 35% of South Korea's semiconductor exports go to China, which is crucial for its industry [73][74]. - South Korea's economic ties with China are significant, with bilateral trade reaching $328.08 billion in 2024, accounting for 21% of South Korea's total trade [77][78]. - The ongoing U.S.-China tech rivalry places South Korea in a precarious position, as it navigates between the two powers while trying to maintain its semiconductor industry [87][88]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The article suggests that South Korea must break free from its historical reliance on foreign technology and develop its own capabilities to ensure long-term sustainability in the semiconductor sector [60][94]. - It highlights the advancements made by China's semiconductor industry, which is rapidly catching up and could pose a significant challenge to South Korea's market position [90][92]. - The need for South Korea to adopt a strategy of independent innovation and avoid being a mere technology follower is emphasized as essential for its future in the global semiconductor landscape [96].