On Saturday 8 November, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce confirmed to the EU that export procedures for Nexperia semiconductors would be facilitated, including for the EU. The European Commissioner for Trade, Maroš Šefčovič, welcomed the move, which he said was the result of a constant commitment between the Commission’s teams and the Chinese authorities.
Exports of Nexperia semiconductors for civilian use are no longer subject to a licence, according to China. Discussions are continuing on exports of chips for military use. Analyses are underway to assess the impact of the restrictions on EU industry. The Commission working group dedicated to these issues (set up under the Chips Act) is meeting again this week, according to Commission spokesman Thomas Regnier on Monday 10 November.
In October, the Dutch government decided to take control of the Nijmegen semiconductor company Nexperia, owned by the Chinese company Wingtech Technology. In retaliation, China blocked exports of finished semiconductors manufactured by Nexperia to China. (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)