Major German auto supplier Aumovio said on Friday it has received permission to reacquire Nexperia Semiconductors from China.
Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said there were “positive signs” that deliveries could resume.
Amovio supplies components such as sensors and displays to major automakers.
It was initially unclear whether similar export licenses were issued for other Nexperia customers.
Nexperia produces components in Europe, but then ships them to China for finishing and then exports them back to customers in the European market.
Netherlands, China embroiled in Nexperia chip dispute
The Dutch government effectively took control of Nexperia in September, citing security concerns amid a broader European effort to “de-risk” economic dependence on China.
Nexperia is based in Nijmegen, Netherlands but is owned by Chinese company Wingtech Technology.
In response to the move, China announced export controls on Nexperia chips in October.
The measure has worried Western carmakers, who have warned that the components are crucial for the onboarding of electronics.
Earlier this month, Beijing said it might exempt some chips from export restrictions in an apparent move to ease tensions.
wall street journal It was reported that the exemption was part of the trade deal agreed upon by US President Donald Trump and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping during their October 30 meeting in South Korea.
Germany’s Merz points to ‘positive signs’ in Nexperia controversy
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he was optimistic that chip exports from China would resume.
“It looks like the door is now open to resume deliveries,” Merz told reporters at the COP30 climate conference in Belém, Brazil.
“There are positive signs that deliveries can resume. This could happen in the next few hours.”
Merz said he had spoken to Dutch Prime Minister Dirk Schoof on the subject.
Edited by: Zack Crellin