Japan Considers Loan Guarantees for Chipmaker Rapidus

June 2, 2024

Japan’s industry ministry said Friday it is considering offering loan guarantees to Rapidus Corp. in its latest effort to help the state-backed chipmaker launch a domestic production line. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is hoping such state guarantees will help the chip venture raise funds from private-sector banks, as the company estimates it needs about 5 trillion yen ($32 billion) to complete a plant in Hokkaido, northern Japan, to begin mass production of next-generation chips in 2027.