Key Points
- Nexperia welcomed the removal of US-China shipping barriers for its chips.
- The company refused to comment on its Chinese subsidiary’s push for independence.
- The Dutch government is still in talks with China and others to find a solution for Nexperia.
- A fight over control of the company has led to chip shortages, affecting the global auto industry.
The Dutch chipmaker Nexperia BV said on Sunday that it welcomed recent moves by the U.S. and Chinese governments to remove barriers that were blocking the company from shipping its chips. However, the company declined to comment on statements from its Chinese subsidiary, which said it will accelerate its efforts to become independent.
In its statement, Nexperia said its top priority now is to ensure its customers have a stable supply of chips. Separately, the Dutch government confirmed that it is still in talks with the Chinese and other governments, as well as with the industry, to find a “constructive way forward” for Nexperia.
The situation has been tense due to a fight over control of Nexperia. This struggle has caused shortages of the company’s chips, alarming automakers worldwide. Nexperia is a major producer of large volumes of basic chips, essential components in cars and other electronics. The disruption in their supply has had a direct impact on car production lines.
The conflicting statements from Nexperia’s Dutch headquarters and its Chinese subsidiary highlight the deep divisions within the company as it navigates the complex geopolitical landscape of the semiconductor industry.
While the parent company appears focused on calming the waters and restoring normal business operations under the new US-China agreement, its subsidiary in China seems to be pursuing a different, more independent path.
This internal conflict, combined with the ongoing involvement of multiple governments, leaves the future of Nexperia’s corporate structure uncertain. For global automakers and other customers who depend on Nexperia’s products, the key concern remains whether the company can resolve these issues and provide a reliable and consistent supply of chips in the long run.
