Finance
Nexperia China announces 12-inch wafer breakthrough as tensions with dutch HQ persist
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 9, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 9, 2026
Quick Summary
Nexperia China has achieved small-batch production of 12‑inch wafer bipolar discrete devices, signaling enhanced self‑reliance amid ongoing control disputes with its Dutch headquarters.
Nexperia China says it has begun producing its own chips
Progress Towards Chipmaking Independence Amid Ongoing Dispute
BEIJING, March 9 (Reuters) - Chipmaker Nexperia's Chinese subsidiary said on Monday it has begun producing its own chips, a further step towards independence from its Dutch parent as a dispute that has disrupted automakers' supply lines continues.
Nexperia China's Announcement
In a statement on its Chinese social media account, Nexperia China said it has started making several types of chips also produced by Nexperia, but using 12-inch wafers - a size the Dutch company cannot manufacture in Europe.
Background of the Dispute
Standoff with Parent Company
Nexperia has been in a standoff with both its owner Wingtech and the Nexperia China subsidiary since October 2025, after an intervention by the Dutch government aimed at blocking the company from shifting operations to China.
Nexperia's European headquarters declined comment.
Operational Changes Post-Intervention
Before the intervention, Nexperia produced wafers in Europe and packaged them into chips in China. Afterwards, the company fractured, with Nexperia China declaring independence and Nexperia Europe halting wafer shipments to China, citing nonpayment.
Details on Chip Production
Types of Chips Produced
In its statement, Nexperia China said it has begun using 12-inch wafers to make products including bipolar discrete devices, Schottky rectifiers and electrostatic discharge devices - all simple chips that Nexperia also makes.
Sourcing of 12-inch Wafers
Possible Suppliers and Industry Ties
The company could not immediately be reached to clarify where it is sourcing its 12-inch wafers. Wingtech founder Zhang Xuezheng controls Shanghai Dingtai Jiangxin Technology Co., Ltd, or "WingSkySemi", a 12-inch wafer fab in Shanghai that cooperated with Nexperia before the dispute began.
(Reporting by Xiuhao Chen, Ryan Woo and Toby Sterling. Editing by Jan Harvey and Mark Potter)
Key Takeaways
- •The breakthrough underscores Nexperia China’s push for autonomous R&D and production amid a management feud with its Dutch HQ.
- •Tensions stem from the Dutch government’s 2025 seizure of control under a rare emergency law, citing governance and security risks.
- •Despite operational disruptions—including IT account shutdowns and wafer supply cuts—Nexperia China is maintaining output and advancing domestic capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nexperia China announces 12-inch wafer breakthrough as tensions with Dutch HQ persist
1What breakthrough did Nexperia China announce?
Nexperia China announced successful small-batch production of 12-inch wafer bipolar discrete devices.
2What challenges is Nexperia China facing?
The company faces ongoing disputes with its Dutch headquarters amid geopolitical tensions.
3Who owns Nexperia?
Nexperia is owned by China's Wingtech Technology.
4When did Dutch state intervention take place?
Dutch state intervention occurred in 2022, which led to the imposition of a European management team.
5What is the significance of the 12-inch wafer production?
The breakthrough marks a new milestone in Nexperia China's independent R&D and mass production capabilities.