Netherlands return control of Nexperia to China

The Dutch government has suspended its takeover of the Nijmegen-based chip manufacturer Nexperia, owned by China’s Wingtech Technology, effectively handing control back to the original parent company. The decision followed intensive talks with Chinese authorities and growing supply-chain disruptions in the European automotive industry, triggered by a temporary Chinese export halt on Nexperia products.

Initially, in September 2025, the Dutch government had invoked the so-called Goods Availability Act to place Nexperia under state supervision, citing significant governance and technology-security risks as well as potential threats to Europe’s economic stability. The return of control is seen as a signal of diplomatic de-escalation in the ongoing tech dispute — at least for the moment. However, risks remain: the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs stated that it reserves the right to reinstate oversight should circumstances require it.

For Europe’s semiconductor and automotive industries, the case stands as a cautionary example. The safeguarding of supply chains and technological sovereignty is increasingly shaped by geopolitical tensions. Restoring confidence in supply stability — while maintaining corporate vigilance — has become a strategic imperative.

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