China exempted Nexperia chips for civilian use from export controls to ease global auto industry supply strains, following Dutch concerns over Wingtech’s ownership and potential relocation of production.
China announced exemptions to its export controls on Nexperia chips for civilian applications on 9 November 2025, aiming to ease the global auto industry’s supply chain issues.
Nexperia, a Netherlands-based chipmaker owned by China’s Wingtech, produces essential chips for automotive electrical systems.
The move signals Beijing’s intention to alleviate the strain caused by its export restrictions, which were implemented after the Dutch government took control of Nexperia on 30 September. The Netherlands cited concerns over Wingtech’s plans to shift European production to China, labelling it a threat to European economic security.
China’s commerce ministry did not clarify what qualifies as civilian use but noted that deliveries of Nexperia’s chips to German and Japanese companies have resumed. This development follows China’s decision to accept exemption applications after a meeting between the US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on 30 October.
Despite this progress, tensions between China and the Netherlands, and by extension the EU, are expected to persist until the ownership and operational disputes surrounding Nexperia are resolved.
