On Thursday 20 November, the Netherlands announced that it was suspending its takeover of the Nijmegen-based semiconductor company Nexperia, which is owned by the Chinese company Wingtech Technology. The Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs said it had had constructive discussions with the Chinese authorities, who had shown “goodwill” in guaranteeing the EU’s supply of semi-conductors.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce welcomed the news in a press release: “China welcomes the Dutch side’s initiative to suspend the administrative order (concerning Nexperia, editor’s note), considering it the first step in the right direction toward a proper settlement of the issue”.
However, China emphasises that the problem is not yet fully resolved. China is demanding the outright repeal of the Dutch administrative order.
European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič also welcomed the Netherlands’ decision. “Continued constructive engagement with partners remains essential to securing reliable global flows”, he said.
On 8 November, following discussions with the EU, China agreed to lift its restrictions on exports of Nexperia chips, which had been introduced in response to the Dutch move (see EUROPE 13749/20). (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)