Nexperia Crisis 2026: Dutch Chipmaker Still Cut Off From Chinese Operations

What is the Nexperia Crisis?

The ongoing Nexperia crisis represents one of the most significant corporate governance battles in the European semiconductor industry in 2026. Nexperia, a Dutch semiconductor manufacturer with Chinese ownership, remains completely cut off from its Chinese operations and parent company Wingtech Technology, creating severe supply chain disruptions and threatening global automotive chip production. The Dutch Enterprise Chamber intervention has escalated into a full-blown international corporate standoff with far-reaching implications for Europe's semiconductor sovereignty.

Background: How Did We Get Here?

Nexperia, originally part of Philips and later NXP Semiconductors, was acquired by Chinese investment firm Wingtech Technology in 2018 for approximately $3.6 billion. The company specializes in essential automotive semiconductor components, shipping over 110 billion products annually from its manufacturing facilities in Germany and China. The current crisis began in October 2025 when the Dutch Enterprise Chamber (Ondernemingskamer) suspended CEO Zhang Xuezheng (also known as Mr. Wing) and appointed Guido Dierick as temporary administrator.

The court found clear evidence that Zhang acted with conflicting interests, including announcing the dismissal of European managers and making abrupt strategic changes that could expose Nexperia to U.S. export restrictions. This intervention marked the first time the Dutch government invoked the 1952 Goods Availability Act to protect critical technology infrastructure.

The Current Standoff: Complete Communication Breakdown

No Contact Since October 2025

According to recent reports from BNR Nieuwsradio, both Nexperia's Dutch operations and court-appointed administrator Guido Dierick have been unable to establish any meaningful contact with the Chinese operations or parent company Wingtech since the Enterprise Chamber's intervention in October 2025. The only communication occurred during a single Teams meeting in December 2025, after which Wingtech has systematically rejected all subsequent meeting requests.

'Er zit geen enkel schot in,' says appointed administrator Guido Dierick. 'I have sent numerous emails requesting meetings on neutral ground, but these continue to be rejected.'

Supply Chain Disruption

The communication breakdown has severely disrupted Nexperia's global supply chain. The company's production process involves shipping chip components from German factories to facilities in Southern China for final assembly, then transporting finished products through Hong Kong to global customers. Since October, this carefully orchestrated process has been severely compromised.

A Nexperia spokesperson explains: 'The supply chain disruption has created enormous time delays, increased costs, and administrative burdens. We now rely on major customers to function as intermediaries between our European and Chinese operations.'

Legal Developments: February 2026 Court Ruling

Investigation Ordered, CEO Remains Suspended

On February 11, 2026, the Amsterdam Court of Appeal made several critical decisions:

• Ordered a formal investigation into alleged mismanagement at Nexperia
• Maintained the suspension of CEO Zhang Xuezheng during the investigation
• Appointed two independent investigators to examine company policies and operations
• Prioritized restoring internal relations and rebuilding supply chains

The court found sufficient evidence of potential governance failures to warrant a comprehensive investigation that could last over six months. This decision represents a significant escalation in the European semiconductor governance crisis that has been brewing since 2025.

Wingtech's Response

Wingtech Technology has expressed disappointment with the court's decision through its legal representatives. The company had hoped to regain access to Nexperia's operations pending the investigation. Wingtech's legal team stated: 'The current situation has had far-reaching consequences for Nexperia, its employees, and the global automotive supply chain. Wingtech will continue to pursue the restoration of its full shareholder rights through all available legal means.'

Broader Implications for Global Semiconductor Industry

Geopolitical Tensions

The Nexperia crisis occurs against the backdrop of escalating geopolitical tensions in the semiconductor sector. Western nations, particularly the United States and European Union, have grown increasingly concerned about Chinese ownership and influence in critical technology sectors. The Dutch government's intervention reflects broader efforts to protect strategic industries from foreign control.

Automotive Industry Impact

As a major supplier of automotive semiconductors, Nexperia's production disruptions could have ripple effects throughout the global automotive industry. The company's components are essential for modern vehicles, including electric cars, advanced driver assistance systems, and infotainment systems. Any prolonged disruption could exacerbate existing semiconductor shortages that have plagued the automotive sector since 2020.

European Semiconductor Sovereignty

This case highlights the delicate balance European nations must strike between welcoming foreign investment and protecting strategic industries. The Dutch government's unprecedented intervention demonstrates growing concerns about foreign ownership in critical infrastructure and the need for robust corporate governance mechanisms.

What Happens Next?

The appointed investigators will now examine Nexperia's operations in detail, focusing on governance practices, strategic decisions, and potential conflicts of interest. Their findings could lead to permanent changes in leadership, corporate structure, or ownership arrangements. Meanwhile, both sides continue to pursue their interests through legal channels, with Wingtech vowing to fight for its shareholder rights and the Dutch authorities determined to ensure proper governance.

The resolution of this standoff will likely set important precedents for how European nations handle foreign ownership in strategic technology sectors and could influence future investment patterns in the semiconductor industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nexperia?

Nexperia is a Dutch semiconductor manufacturer specializing in automotive chips, originally part of Philips and NXP Semiconductors, now owned by Chinese company Wingtech Technology.

Why is the Dutch government involved?

The Dutch Enterprise Chamber intervened due to concerns about corporate governance, potential conflicts of interest, and the strategic importance of semiconductor technology for national security and economic stability.

How long has the communication breakdown lasted?

Nexperia's Dutch operations have been cut off from Chinese operations and parent company Wingtech since October 2025, with only one brief Teams meeting occurring in December 2025.

What are the supply chain impacts?

The disruption has forced Nexperia to use major customers as intermediaries between European and Chinese operations, creating delays, increased costs, and administrative burdens.

What happens to CEO Zhang Xuezheng?

He remains suspended as CEO during the investigation, which could last over six months, while temporary administrator Guido Dierick oversees Dutch operations.

Sources

BNR Nieuwsradio Report
NL Times Coverage
Associated Press Analysis
Reuters Business Report