Dutch minister seeks talks with China over Nexperia export ban

Outgoing Dutch Minister for Economic Affairs Vincent Karremans wants to find a solution with China regarding the Chinese export ban on Nexperia chips, the state broadcaster NOS reports. The ban went into effect after the Dutch government took control of the company and removed the Chinese CEO. Karremans denies being pressured by the US and says the CEO may have tried to move information to China.

Nexperia, headquartered in Nijmegen, is a major semiconductor company producing chips for various industries, generating $2.06 billion in annual revenue. However, recent events have led to significant turmoil. Last Sunday, the Dutch government intervened at Nexperia after its Chinese parent company, Wingtech, and CEO Zhang Xuezheng, attempted to dismiss the European management following a financial dispute. The Dutch government's intervention involved invoking the Goods Availability Act on October 14, 2025, to temporarily take control of Nexperia, a European semiconductor unit of Wingtech.

The Dutch government's intervention followed concerns about the loss of crucial technological knowledge and capabilities from the Netherlands and Europe. Allegedly, Wing sought to use Nexperia's resources to support his own struggling chip factory in China, WingSkySemi, even though it was not part of the Wingtech group. Nexperia's co-directors were dismissed on September 4, 2025, after confronting Wing about it. On October 13, 2025, the Court of Appeal in Amsterdam suspended Wing as a director and appointed G.R.C. Dierick as a non-executive director with a decisive vote.

Lifting the Nexperia export ban

In response to these developments, Minister Karremans is seeking to discuss the export ban on Nexperia chips with Chinese officials. Karremans is optimistic that the talks will progress positively.

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, representing a large group of US automakers, has warned of potential supply issues, with some anticipating noticeable effects as early as next month. The CEO of a US auto industry firm told Reuters that disruptions to automotive chip supplies could halt auto production in the US and many other countries. Echoing these concerns, automakers like BMW and Volkswagen are reportedly in crisis mode, with the German Association of Electrical Engineering anticipating shortages within a few weeks.

The European automotive association ACEA has also cautioned that without these chips, European automotive suppliers may be unable to produce necessary car parts, potentially leading to production stoppages. Director-General Sigrid de Vries emphasized the urgent need for fast and pragmatic solutions from all involved countries.

China's opposition

China has strongly opposed the Dutch government's takeover of Nexperia, viewing it as an abuse of national security. The China Semiconductor Industry Association (CSIA) has voiced firm support for Wingtech in defending its rights. China has reportedly imposed an export ban on the Chinese branch of Nexperia, effective October 4, 2025, concerning products with both civilian and military applications. And now Karremans aims to lift that ban.