German media: The dispute over Nexperia semiconductor has a turning point: China resumes the export of civilian chips

The EU and China have both confirmed that China has resumed the export of Nexperia semiconductors for civilian use. This move will help alleviate the supply shortages faced by car manufacturers and parts suppliers.

On Saturday, November 8, EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic stated on his X account that the Chinese Ministry of Commerce confirmed today that the export process for Nexperia chips has been further simplified. He welcomed this news and added that as long as exporters declare the goods for civilian use, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce will no longer require an export license, and this measure takes effect immediately.

Reuters pointed out that this is the strongest signal so far from China, indicating that Beijing intends to ease the pressure on the global automotive industry caused by the previous export restrictions triggered by the Dutch government's takeover of Nexperia. Nexperia is an important basic chip manufacturer, and its products are widely used in automotive electronic systems.

Before the ownership and operational disputes at Nexperia are resolved, Sino-Dutch bilateral relations, and more broadly, Sino-European relations, are expected to remain tense. The Dutch government took over Nexperia on September 30, citing the reason that the Chinese parent company, Wingtech, planned to transfer Nexperia's production in Europe to China.

In response, China suspended the export of finished Nexperia chips.

Promoting "the full restoration of semiconductor supply"

In his statement on Saturday, Sefcovic concluded: "We will continue to closely cooperate with Chinese and Dutch authorities to jointly promote the establishment of a long-term, stable, and predictable framework to ensure the full restoration of semiconductor supply. Such stability and predictability are crucial to Europe's industrial base and help enhance its global competitiveness."

Regarding the latest statement from the EU regarding Nexperia, the spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce responded on Sunday: "The source and responsibility of the current chaos in the global semiconductor supply chain lie with the Dutch side. China notes that the EU has expressed willingness to work with the Dutch side, and hopes that the EU will further intensify its efforts to urge the Dutch side to quickly revoke the relevant measures and ensure the normal supply of Nexperia semiconductor products."

The spokesperson also confirmed: "China, in a responsible attitude toward the security and stability of the global semiconductor supply chain, has taken practical measures to exempt the export of related products for civilian use that comply with regulations."

Dutch Prime Minister: China has agreed to resume the export of Nexperia chips from China

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce did not specifically explain which situations fall under 'civilian use', but before this statement, German and Japanese companies had already stated that they had resumed receiving Nexperia chips produced in China.

According to a report by Bloomberg on Friday, November 7, Dutch Prime Minister Scholz revealed that China has agreed to resume the delivery of Nexperia semiconductor chips from its domestic factories. He explained that the achievement of this solution was the result of cooperation between the Netherlands, Germany, and the European Commission, as well as recent diplomatic talks between the Netherlands and China and the easing of Sino-US trade tensions.

At the same time, multiple media reports indicated that the resumption of exports could temporarily suspend the Dutch government's administrative order to take over Nexperia.

China: Agrees to allow the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs to send envoys to China for negotiations

On November 8, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce stated that it has not yet seen any concrete actions from the Netherlands to stop infringing on the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and to restore the stability of the global semiconductor supply chain. China hopes that the Dutch side should not only make statements verbally, but also quickly put forward practical and constructive solutions and take concrete actions. In addition, China has agreed to the request of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs to send envoys to China for negotiations.

This statement from the Ministry of Commerce was a response to a post by Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs Vincent Karremans on November 6 on social media. Karremans stated at the time that the Netherlands had engaged in constructive dialogue with Chinese authorities, and he believed that chips produced in China would be delivered to European and global customers in the coming days. He said that the Netherlands will "support this progress and take appropriate measures when necessary."

Sources: DW

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1848330890402889/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.