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Nexperia Warns It Cannot Guarantee Quality of China-Made Chips After October 13

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Dutch semiconductor manufacturer Nexperia said it expects to resolve the ongoing crisis over control of the company but cautioned customers that chips produced in China after October 13 may not meet its quality or authenticity standards.

The warning follows a turbulent period for the firm, which saw the Dutch government seize control of Nexperia on September 30 amid national security concerns, and China respond by blocking chip exports on October 4. The resulting standoff has disrupted supply chains for automakers and electronics manufacturers that rely on Nexperia’s components.

The company said its operations outside China — including facilities in Europe, Malaysia, and the Philippines — remain unaffected and are functioning normally.

In a statement, Nexperia welcomed assurances that, under a new U.S.-China agreement, it will be exempt from American export restrictions for one year. Beijing has also said it will allow exports on a “case-by-case” basis.

Nexperia’s Chinese parent company, Wingtech Technology, remains under U.S. restrictions, and its founder Zhang Xuezheng was suspended as Nexperia CEO by a Dutch court on October 7, contrary to earlier reports suggesting he retained control.

While most of Nexperia’s chips are manufactured in Europe, about 70% are packaged and distributed in China, where the local unit has declared operational independence and claims to have sufficient inventory to meet demand through 2025.

The Dutch firm said it remains committed to maintaining its Chinese operations while seeking alternative packaging and supply solutions to ensure “product availability in a sustainable manner.”

Schaeffler Partners with Neura Robotics to Develop Humanoids, Eyes New Growth Beyond Auto Industry

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German engineering firm Schaeffler announced on Tuesday that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Neura Robotics to jointly develop and supply key components for humanoid robots, marking a major step in its diversification beyond traditional automotive manufacturing.

The company said it plans to integrate a “mid-four-digit number” of humanoids into its production lines by 2035, leveraging AI and robotics to enhance industrial efficiency. The partnership aligns with Schaeffler’s long-term vision to generate up to 10% of its total sales from emerging sectors such as defense, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and humanoid robotics by 2035.

The move comes as Europe’s automotive industry faces mounting challenges, including U.S. import tariffs, slowing demand, and intensifying competition from Chinese manufacturers. In response, Schaeffler is rebalancing its portfolio to focus on high-growth technology areas. The company also confirmed plans to sell its turbocharger business in China, which generated around €100 million in revenue in 2024.

CEO Klaus Rosenfeld said the firm sees significant potential in humanoid robotics, both for internal process optimization and as a new business avenue. “Humanoids will become a very interesting activity for Schaeffler,” Rosenfeld noted, adding that while the automotive environment remains difficult, investment in AI-driven technologies offers long-term opportunity.

Nexperia China Says It Has Ample Inventories After Dutch Parent Halts Wafer Supplies

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Nexperia’s China division said on Sunday it has built up sufficient inventories and secured its supply chain after the Dutch parent company suspended wafer shipments to its Chinese assembly facilities. The unit assured customers that production and deliveries would continue as planned despite the disruption.

The Dutch chipmaker halted wafer supplies on October 26, citing what it called the Chinese unit’s failure to comply with agreed payment terms. Nexperia China, however, rejected the accusation, calling the move “unilateral” and “extremely irresponsible,” and describing the payment-related claims as “misleading and highly deceptive.”

The dispute follows months of political tension after Dutch authorities took control of Nexperia from its Chinese owner, Wingtech, in September over national security concerns about potential technology transfers. In response, Beijing temporarily blocked the company’s products from being exported.

Nexperia China said it has “proactively initiated contingency plans” and is working to qualify new wafer suppliers, adding that existing inventories would sustain production “through year-end and beyond.” The company expects to meet full customer demand starting next year.

Nexperia produces inexpensive but essential power-control chips — such as transistors and diodes — widely used across consumer electronics and the automotive industry. Automakers have warned that any prolonged supply disruption could affect production.