Semiconductor supply chain disruption
Dutch government suspends order seizing control of Nexperia in attempt to resolve semiconductor supply crisis
The Dutch government has suspended the order under the Goods Availability Act in which it seized control of chipmaker Nexperia, as it looks to resolve the ongoing crisis concerning supply of semiconductors from Nexperia’s Chinese entities.
Nexperia confirmed in a company update on November 19 that it had been informed of the decision of Vincent Karremans, the Dutch minister of economic affairs, to temporary suspend the order.
“In light of recent developments, I consider it the right moment to take a constructive step by suspending my order under the Goods Availability Act regarding Nexperia, in close consultation with our European and international partners,” Karremans said. “In the past few days we have had constructive meetings with the Chinese authorities.”
He added: “We are positive about the measures already taken by the Chinese authorities to ensure the supply of chips to Europe and the rest of the world. We see this as a show of goodwill. We will continue to engage in constructive dialogue with the Chinese authorities in the period ahead.”
Nexperia said that it “welcomes the recent constructive dialogue between Dutch and Chinese authorities to restore supply chain stability”. However, it noted that “the full restoration of the supply chain requires active further cooperation of Nexperia's entities in China”.
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Both Nexperia and the Dutch Ministry of Commerce clarified that the suspension of this order is separate to the ruling of the Enterprise Chamber, a special chamber of the Amsterdam Court of Appeal, which remains in effect.
As such, Zhang Xuezheng remains suspended and is not acting as the CEO of Nexperia. Instead, chief financial officer Stefan Tilger will continue to act as interim CEO.
OEMs that have already expressed concern over the impact of semiconductor supply shortages – including the likes of Honda, Stellantis, VW Group and Volvo Cars – will hoping this latest move leads to a full restoration of Nexperia’s supply chain as soon as possible.
