Taiwan sees no significant impact on chip sector from China rare earths curbs

TAIPEI (Reuters) -No significant impact is expected on Taiwan's semiconductor industry from China's new curbs on rare earths as they differ from the metals needed for the chip sector, the island's economy ministry said on Sunday. China dramatically expanded its rare earths export controls on Thursday, adding five new elements and extra scrutiny for chip users as Beijing tightens control over the sector ahead of talks between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. Taiwan's economy ministry said in a statement about China's new rules that the rare-earth elements covered by the expanded ban differ from the rare-earth items required in Taiwan's semiconductor processes, so no significant impact on chip manufacturing is expected at this time. Domestically needed products or derivatives containi