Chipmaker Nexperia Says China Has Imposed Ban on Its Chip Exports

Chipmaker Nexperia said Tuesday that the Chinese government had banned it from exporting goods from China, after Dutch authorities seized control of the Netherlands-based firm, citing management concerns, Richard Carter reported for Agence France-Presse (AFP).

The Dutch government said it had invoked a Cold War–era law to effectively take control of the company. (Photo: Nexperia)

Nexperia has found itself at the center of a tug-of-war between China and the Netherlands over semiconductors—an increasing source of global geopolitical tension.

In its first statement since the Dutch move took effect on Sept. 30, Nexperia said it was “actively engaging” with authorities in Beijing to gain an exemption from China’s countermeasures.

Recently, the Dutch government said it had invoked a Cold War–era law to effectively take control of the company, citing concerns about mismanagement.

Under the 1952 Goods Availability Law, the Dutch government can block key decisions about hiring staff or relocating company parts for one year.

The Dutch government said its use of the law was “highly exceptional” and was invoked to ensure Nexperia’s chips—which are used in a wide variety of electronic equipment—would remain available in an emergency.

The firm said that China’s response came on Oct. 4.

“The Chinese Ministry of Commerce issued an export control notice prohibiting Nexperia China and its subcontractors from exporting specific finished components and subassemblies manufactured in China,” the firm said.