China could soon ease export restrictions on semiconductors produced by Nexperia, the country’s government said following a round of talks with the US and EU officials this week.
Such a move would mark a de-escalation in tensions after the Dutch government seized control of the chipmaker from its Chinese parent company last month.
In response to the Dutch intervention, Beijing had imposed a ban on exports of finished semiconductor products from China – where most of Nexperia’s chips are assembled – threatening to disrupt supplies to major European car manufacturers.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Saturday that companies facing “practical difficulties” under the current restrictions may apply for exemptions through the ministry or local commerce authorities.
“We will comprehensively assess each enterprise’s specific circumstances and grant exemptions to those that meet the eligibility criteria,” the MOFCOM said.
Based in the Netherlands, Nexperia is one of the world’s leading producers of chips for the automotive and electronics industries, claiming annual shipments exceeding 100 billion units. It was acquired by China’s Wingtech Technology in 2018.
In the same statement, Beijing described itself as a “responsible major country” that prioritises the stability and security of global industrial supply chains.
It also criticised the Dutch government’s decision to take over Nexperia as “improper interference in internal corporate affairs,” blaming it for disruptions to global trade and manufacturing networks.
The White House is expected to announce on Saturday the resumption of chip exports from Nexperia’s Chinese facilities, Reuters reported, following a trade truce struck between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping during a summit in South Korea this week.
The announcement also came after EU and Chinese officials concluded talks in Brussels on Friday evening focused on export controls affecting rare earth elements and semiconductors.
Brussels welcomed Beijing’s decision to suspend export controls on rare earths for 12 months. “This is an appropriate and responsible step in the context of ensuring stable global trade flows in a critically important area,” said trade spokesperson Olof Gill on Saturday.
(jp)
