Talks between Dutch Economy Minister Vincent Karremans and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao failed to end the growing Nexperia chip dispute, leaving Europe’s carmakers warning of production risks. The Dutch government seized Nexperia BV last month, citing fears that its technology could be transferred to its Chinese parent, Wingtech Technology, while Beijing retaliated by blocking exports of the company’s chips packaged in China.
Wang criticized the move as an overreach of national security, saying it “seriously affected global supply chain stability.” Karremans said both sides were seeking a mutually acceptable path forward, but no immediate progress was made.
Nexperia produces standard semiconductors vital to automotive and electronics manufacturing, with production in Europe and packaging in China — a dependency now exposing both sides to severe disruption. Germany’s VDA auto industry association warned that the situation could lead to production halts if chip supplies do not resume soon.
The stalemate highlights the widening rift between Europe and China over technology control, adding to a broader landscape of trade tensions, from U.S. tariffs to Chinese rare earth export restrictions. With stockpiles running low, European manufacturers are urging governments to find “quick and pragmatic solutions” before the crisis halts assembly lines.
