Until a few months ago, Nexperia was known mainly in industrial circles. It manufactured essential but inconspicuous chips, basic components for electronic systems, especially in sectors such as the automotive industry. Today his name appears in public letters, cross accusations and messages warning of production stops. The controversy is no longer limited to internal decisions: it involves governments, regulatory frameworks and a supply chain that has become especially sensitive.
The conflict between headquarters did not arise spontaneously. It was built through a combination of regulatory decisions, judicial interventions and business measures that, in a matter of weeks, altered the balance between the Dutch parent company and the Chinese entities. The confirmed facts follow this sequence:
- September 29, 2025. The United States extended its export controls to companies that are 50% or more owned by entities included in the Entity List. Wingtech has been on that list since December 2024 and, by extension, affected Nexperia.
- September 30, 2025. The Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands applied for the first time the Goods Availability Act to supervise Nexperia’s activity.
- October 4, 2025. China prohibited Nexperia China and its subcontractors from exporting certain finished components and subassemblies manufactured in Chinese territory.
- October 7, 2025. The Amsterdam Company Chamber suspended CEO Zhang Xuezheng and appointed an independent administrator with authority over corporate decisions.
- October 12, 2025. The Dutch Government officially confirmed the activation of the control framework.
- October 14, 2025. Nexperia publicly acknowledged the veto imposed by Beijing and stated that it was in talks with the Chinese authorities to resolve it.
- October 29, 2025. Nexperia BV announced the suspension of the supply of wafers to its subsidiary due to its refusal to make payments.
- November 10, 2025. The US Department of Commerce suspends the “Affiliates Rule” for one year as part of a broader trade agreement with China.
- November 28, 2025. The Dutch Government suspended its ministerial supervision after talks with China, although the measures of the Amsterdam Business Chamber remain in force.
What the Dutch matrix demands. Nexperia BV, the Netherlands-based entity that exercises global corporate governance for the group, states in its open letter dated November 27 that it has made multiple attempts, both formal and informal, to contact its entities in China through calls, emails, proposed meetings and formal communications, without obtaining “any meaningful response.” He warns that clients from different sectors speak of “imminent production stops.” It calls for reestablishing regular flows of production, delivery and operational planning, and offers to start negotiations even with professional mediation.
One of Nexperia’s facilities in Guangdong
Accusations from China. Nexperia China states that it has always been available for formal communication and denies any lack of response. According to its statement, the Dutch parent company would have carried out “destructive actions”, such as the elimination of corporate email accounts and the restriction of access to internal systems, which would have prevented the normal functioning of the subsidiary. Wingtech, the parent company in China, maintains that there has been an “unlawful deprivation” of its control rights and that this is the origin of the current disorder. He adds that, since October, they have continued to ship components to hundreds of customers as part of a “self-rescue” effort.
A basic chip that supports a complex industry. Nexperia produces so-called foundation chips, essential components that manage electrical functions in automotive and electronic systems. They are manufactured in Europe, assembled and tested in China and re-exported to the rest of the world. Companies such as Nissan and German supplier Bosch have warned that the current tension could affect availability in the coming months if flow is not restored. The German employers’ association VDA has warned of high risks.
Nexperia has become a point of friction between corporate governance, regulation and industrial policy. As we have seen, the Dutch parent company and the subsidiary in China maintain opposing stories and accuse each other of having caused the current situation. None rules out dialogue, although the conversations continue in writing. The public communications consulted speak of “imminent” stops, but do not include interruptions that have already materialized. Manufacturers express their concern and anticipate possible effects if supply is not stabilized soon. We have to wait to see how this situation will end.
Images | Nexperia
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