Bashar Malkawi, Japan-South Korea Trade Frictions

Japan imposed tighter export control measures on chemicals used by South Korean companies to produce semiconductors and smart phones and TV displays. In addition, Japan removed South Korea from a "white list" of twenty-seven preferential trading partners that can import Japanese goods without added procedures. Adding to list of countries – such as the U.S.- which rely on punitive economic measures on the basis of national security, Japan justified its actions on security grounds. Japan should evaluate whether the motivation of national security is a reasonable excuse to restrict free trade with South Korea and furthermore – assuming arguendo a good faith bona fide threat exists – whether the export control measures even constitute an effective tool to advance national security.