China warns Dutch away from Nexperia as it lets chip exports resume
Summary
China’s Ministry of Commerce has approved export licences and exemptions that allow Nexperia’s chips to flow from its China operations to Europe again, easing immediate supply concerns for the automotive sector. Beijing simultaneously criticised the Netherlands for what it called “inappropriate interference” after the Dutch government invoked the Goods Availability Act to take control of major decisions at the Dutch-headquartered, Chinese-owned chipmaker.
The Dutch Enterprise Chamber of the Amsterdam Court of Appeal remains involved, having suspended Nexperia’s CEO and appointed a court-nominated non-executive director amid doubts about the company’s governance. The Dutch government welcomed the resumption of exports but did not explicitly abandon its special measures; sources say the Netherlands may be preparing to rescind the order.
Key Points
- China authorised export licences/exemptions so Nexperia can resume chip shipments from its China operations to Europe.
- Beijing publicly rebuked the Netherlands for invoking the Goods Availability Act and interfering in Nexperia’s internal affairs.
- The Dutch Enterprise Chamber is still overseeing governance, having suspended Nexperia’s CEO and installed a court-nominated director.
- The resumption should ease near-term chip supply worries for Europe’s automotive industry that rely on Nexperia parts.
- The Netherlands says it will monitor developments and coordinate with the European Commission; anonymous sources suggest the Dutch order may be rescinded.
Why should I read this?
Short version: if you care about car parts, chip supply or EU–China tech rows, this one matters. Chips are flowing again, but the political tug-of-war isn’t over — so keep an eye on whether Brussels or Amsterdam change course. We read the detail so you don’t have to.
Context and Relevance
This story sits at the intersection of supply-chain risk and geopolitics. Nexperia handles vital packaging and distribution in China for chips used across Europe, notably in the automotive sector. Beijing’s willingness to resume exports reduces immediate disruption risk, but its public admonishment of the Netherlands highlights ongoing diplomatic friction over foreign investment, technology transfer and national-security interventions.
For industry and policy watchers, the episode underscores two trends: governments increasingly use emergency powers to protect strategic supply chains, and exporting countries can leverage licence approvals as a diplomatic tool. Outcomes to watch: whether the Netherlands rescinds the Goods Availability Act measures, how the Enterprise Chamber’s proceedings conclude, and whether European carmakers feel lasting relief.