TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Kantor to Ask Japan for Renewal of Chip Accord: U.S. Trade Rep. Mickey Kantor said he will ask Japanese officials to renew the two nations’ landmark accord to open Japan’s semiconductor market. Japanese chip manufacturers announced Thursday that they oppose a renewal when the first five-year extension of the accord expires next July. The companies are backed by the Japanese government. Kantor said he expects the semiconductor agreement to be a “major issue” when he meets Japanese Trade Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto later this month in Osaka, Japan. “We’re going to pursue an agreement,” Kantor said. “Obviously this [semiconductor] agreement has worked, but it has not been successful in getting to all the trade barriers in this area.”