Japan chipmaking equipment suppliers report 10% drop in China sales

Foreign companies lose market share as Beijing boosts local players

People gather around the booth of Naura Technology Group, a Chinese manufacturer of chipmaking equipment, at a trade show in Shanghai in March. (Photo by Shunsuke Tabeta)

TOKYO -- Japan's top five manufacturers of chipmaking equipment posted a 10% decline in combined sales to China for the year ended March 31, the first-ever decrease, a result of Beijing's efforts to promote its homegrown industry.