The Netherlands is preparing to suspend its temporary control measures over semiconductor maker Nexperia as China resumes exports of key chip components, easing weeks of supply turmoil that disrupted automotive production across Europe. The shift comes after Beijing lifted an export ban that had restricted shipments of Nexperia semiconductors, according to multiple companies and officials involved in the matter.
China reversed the export ban earlier this week, German automotive supplier Aumovio SE Chief Executive Philipp von Hirschheydt told Bloomberg News, saying his company had already resumed receiving shipments after Beijing granted an export license. He added that China's Ministry of Commerce lifted the broader ban on Nexperia exports on Friday. The move signals that negotiations between European and Chinese authorities may be nearing a resolution after a dispute that had strained political and industrial ties.
In the Netherlands, Economy Minister Vincent Karremans said on Thursday that he expects chips produced by Nexperia to begin reaching customers again in the coming days. Netherlands would "support these developments , and will take the appropriate steps on our part where necessary," Karremans said. A spokesperson for his office declined to comment on whether those steps would include ending the ministerial order that gave the Dutch government veto power over Nexperia's corporate decisions.
According to Bloomberg, Dutch officials are prepared to suspend that order as early as next week if deliveries resume and are verified. The order, issued on September 30, granted the government temporary oversight of Nexperia amid concerns over security and intellectual property following a dispute between Nexperia and its Chinese parent Wingtech.
The supply disruption immediately rippled through global auto manufacturing, where Nexperia's components are used widely. Volkswagen had warned of production interruptions, while Nissan said its chip inventory would last only through early November. Stellantis said it was monitoring the situation closely. Shares in Wingtech rose nearly 10% on the Shanghai exchange following reports of progress, while Volkswagen stock climbed 1.3% in Frankfurt.
The crisis emerged after Nexperia suspended shipments of wafers to its China subsidiary, citing unpaid invoices. China responded by blocking exports of packaged chips back to Europe, halting deliveries despite 70% of Nexperia's manufacturing taking place in Europe. The supply chain dependency stems from packaging and distribution processes that are located in China.
Karremans has emphasized that discussions with Chinese officials have been "constructive." He said the Netherlands trusts that resumed shipments "will reach Nexperia's customers over the coming days," contingent on verification that supply has restarted and underlying financial issues have been settled.
