Chip exports to resume
Nexperia has resumed some shipments of its semiconductor chips, with Germany welcoming signs of de-escalation in the wrestling match to control supplies.
The company, which is Chinese-owned and based in the Netherlands, makes billions of chips for cars and other electronics but supplies have been snarled since a dispute between the countries over technology transfers.
Germany, Europe’s biggest car manufacturer, remains hopeful that “short-term individual permits will quickly reach the industry”, allowing chip shipments to resume, says a government spokesperson.
Aumovio, whose customers include Volkswagen, Stellantis and BMW, has secured deliveries of Nexperia’s chips from China. It was the first supplier to confirm an exemption from Chinese export controls put in place after the Netherlands seized control of Nexperia, citing concerns about its Chinese parent Wingtech.
The supplier sends Nexperia chips from China to Hungary for distribution to its plant network. “It will take some time before all procedures and processes will get back to normal,” says Philipp von Hirschheydt, chief executive of Aumovio.
He adds that there’s still a chance for disruptions in the next four to six weeks, while Robert Bosch is also reported to be securing the semiconductors from China.
German parts supplier ZF Friedrichshafen is preparing for production disruptions including temporary furloughs as a precautionary measure. “It is unclear to what extent and at what speed deliveries from China could resume,” says a spokesperson.
Nexperia has yet to confirm that its chip supplies have restarted. However, “we would assume that the flow of our products can resume soon” as the Chinese trade ministry had said it will issue exemptions.
Honda has reported signs of movement in its chip deliveries. “We have received information that shipments have started in China,” says vice-president Noriya Kaihara.
“Looking ahead, it is difficult to say anything definitive.” He adds the company is working toward resuming production at affected sites starting late this week. Honda recently suspended output at a Mexican plant, and it has adjusted its operations in the US and Canada.
The Netherlands, meanwhile, is prepared to suspend its ministerial order that gave it control over Nexperia in a move that could de-escalate the situation with Beijing.
The Dutch government is reportedly ready to shelve the order, which gave it the power to block or change key corporate decisions at the company.
Vincent Karremans, the Netherlands’ economic affairs minister, says: “Given the constructive nature of our talks with the Chinese authorities, the Netherlands trusts the supply of chips from China to Europe and the rest of the world will reach Nexperia’s customers over coming days.”
