The White House is expected to announce that Dutch semiconductor firm Nexperia will resume shipments from its facilities in China, a move that could ease growing concerns among car manufacturers facing production slowdowns, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Dutch Seizure Triggers Chinese Export Block
Earlier this month, the Dutch government took control of Nexperia, which is owned by Chinese company Wingtech. In response, Beijing halted the export of Nexperia products from China. The company produces large quantities of semiconductors in the Netherlands, widely used in automobiles and consumer electronics, with around 70% of the chips being packaged in China before being distributed globally.
China’s Ministry of Commerce appeared to confirm the development, saying it would consider exemptions for Nexperia’s chip exports.
«As a responsible major country, China fully considers the security and stability of domestic and global production and supply chains,» the ministry stated, adding that companies facing supply issues should contact authorities. «We will take into account the company’s specific situation and exempt eligible exports.»
The White House has yet to comment but is expected to release a fact sheet detailing a broader U.S.-China trade truce that includes Nexperia. The agreement was reportedly reached during a summit this week between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea.
Automakers Warn of Production Crisis
Nexperia manufactures low-cost power management chips, including transistors and diodes, which are vital components in almost all electronic devices. In vehicles, they are used in battery systems, motors, lighting, sensors, braking systems, airbags, infotainment and window controls.
Car manufacturers have warned that without a steady chip supply, production lines in the U.S. could soon halt. Honda has already paused operations at a plant in Mexico and adjusted schedules in the U.S. and Canada. Reuters previously reported that Nexperia had halted wafer supplies to its Chinese assembly plant, worsening the global shortage.
Industry Braces for Wider Impact
The Dutch government’s decision to seize control of Nexperia followed growing U.S. pressure after Wingtech was placed on a restricted export list, though Dutch authorities cited governance concerns as the official reason.
Industry groups have raised alarms over the potential disruption. Stellantis, the maker of Jeep SUVs, said on Thursday it had created a «war room» to track the crisis. Meanwhile, Nissan confirmed it has enough semiconductor stock to continue production until the first week of November.
