For IBM i systems, the ICU_DATA path is set when the ICU 1.6 conversion function is first called by the system. The system looks up Data Area BUILD_VER in the system library for the System Directory setting. For example:

System Directory: B9_S

The system appends locale/xml to the path specified in the BUILD_VER, and then uses this path as the ICU_DATA path. You must ensure the BUILD_VER data area is properly set to reflect the system directory setting.