Yeutter began a computer chip investigation.

President Reagan’s recently named trade representative initiated an investigation of barriers to sales of U.S. electronics products in Japan based on a petition by the U.S. Semiconductor Industry Assn. The petition accuses Japan of unfair trade practices and demands free access to Japan’s $8-billion semiconductor market. Clayton Yeutter said the complaint raises “serious questions” about U.S.-Japanese trade relations. Under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, Yeutter’s office has up to a year to complete the investigation.