Recent online rumors claimed that China and the Netherlands reached an agreement on resolving the control dispute over Nexperia, including reinstating former CEO Zhang Xuezheng by November 7 and unfreezing core assets and business authorizations by November 13. However, these claims—citing a fabricated document—lack credible sources and have been widely misreported.
In reality, no consensus or progress has been made between China and the Netherlands regarding Nexperia’s control. China’s Commerce Ministry confirmed on November 4 that despite China’s goodwill exemption for qualified Nexperia exports on November 1, the Dutch side has taken no substantive steps to resolve the issue. Nexperia’s wafer supply to its Chinese packaging and testing facilities remains suspended.
Former Nexperia CEO Zhang Xuezheng recently broke his silence, refuting Dutch allegations.
**China’s Conditional Export Exemption Sparks Response from Global Auto Suppliers** The Dutch government’s forced takeover of Nexperia on September 30 triggered a chain reaction: China imposed export controls on October 4 (affecting 70% of Nexperia’s packaging capacity), Nexperia China rejected unilateral Dutch orders on October 19, and the Dutch side halted wafer supplies to Nexperia’s Dongguan plant on October 26. These moves have severely disrupted global automotive supply chains.
Nexperia’s chips, though not cutting-edge, are critical in volume. The German Federal Motor Transport Authority estimates each car uses ~500 Nexperia components. Shortages have already forced Volkswagen to halt Golf production in Wolfsburg, with Bosch planning furloughs in Salzgitter due to supply constraints.
Spot prices for Nexperia chips surged over 15%, with some models spiking 25-fold. Panic buying has driven prices from $0.04 to $1 per chip.
On November 1, China announced exemptions for qualified exports, prompting欧美 suppliers like ZF and Continental to seek approvals. ZF stated it’s working with Chinese authorities to restore deliveries, while Continental’s Aumovio unit applied for exemptions.
Despite China’s flexibility, the Dutch government has shown no reciprocal action.
**Commerce Ministry: Netherlands Fails to Act** On November 4, China’s Commerce Ministry criticized the Dutch for unilaterally cutting wafer supplies to Nexperia Dongguan on October 26, destabilizing global semiconductor chains. The Dutch cited alleged payment breaches by Chinese management—claims Nexperia China called "baseless," countering that the Dutch owe ¥1 billion in unpaid dues.
The ministry urged the Netherlands to prioritize bilateral relations and supply chain stability, stressing China’s commitment to protecting corporate rights and global semiconductor flows.
**Dutch Nexperia Issues New Warnings** The Dutch entity reiterated concerns about product quality and delivery timelines from Dongguan, labeling its October 22 notice as a "force majeure" declaration. Nexperia China maintains sufficient inventory to meet demand through year-end.
**Zhang Xuezheng Rebuts Allegations** Dutch authorities justified their takeover under paused U.S. export rules, but their broader aim appears to be "Europeanizing" Nexperia by weakening China’s control. Accusations against Zhang include over-ordering wafers for his Shanghai-based Dingtai Jiangxin and transferring Manchester plant technology—claims his lawyer dismissed as false, noting Zhang abstained from related votes.
Nexperia’s $200M Hamburg expansion and €130M Dutch tax contributions contradict Dutch narratives. Economists like Arnoud Boot question the intervention’s timing and motives, comparing it to past controversial state stock purchases.
**Conclusion** The Netherlands’ actions—benefiting from Nexperia’s Chinese-backed growth while seizing control under dubious pretexts—risk becoming an international misstep. Without evidence or logic, their stance undermines trust and global supply chains.