"China Lifts Export Curbs on Nexperia Chips"

China Eases Trade Tensions by Exempting Nexperia Chips from Export Controls In a move aimed at easing trade tensions between Beijing and Washington, China has exempted computer chips vital to car production from export controls, according to a statement released by the country's commerce ministry on Sunday. The exemptions, granted to Chinese-owned Nexperia for civilian use, are expected to help carmakers who had feared production in Europe would be hit. The exemptions, which were announced on the same day as a pause in an export ban to the US of some materials crucial in the semiconductor industry, mark a significant easing of trade tensions between China and the US. The development comes after President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump agreed in October to reduce tariffs on each other and pause other measures. According to Reuters, the exemptions will allow Nexperia to continue exporting chips to carmakers in Europe without facing export controls. The move is seen as a relief to carmakers who had been concerned about the potential disruption to their supply chains. "This is a positive development for the automotive industry," said a spokesperson for a major carmaker, who wished to remain anonymous. "The exemptions will help ensure a stable supply of chips and minimize disruptions to production." The exemptions are also seen as a significant development in the ongoing trade tensions between China and the US. The two countries have been engaged in a trade war for several years, with both sides imposing tariffs on each other's goods. The exemptions are seen as a sign that China is willing to ease its trade restrictions and work towards a more stable trade relationship with the US. According to the commerce ministry, the exemptions will be granted to exports made by Nexperia for civilian use. The ministry did not provide further details on the specific types of chips that will be exempted or the duration of the exemptions. The move is also seen as a response to the US's efforts to reduce tariffs on Chinese goods. In October, President Trump and President Xi Jinping agreed to reduce tariffs on each other's goods and pause other measures. The exemptions are seen as a sign that China is willing to reciprocate and work towards a more stable trade relationship with the US. The current status of the exemptions is unclear, but industry experts say that the move is a positive development for the automotive industry. "The exemptions will help ensure a stable supply of chips and minimize disruptions to production," said the spokesperson for the major carmaker. "We are hopeful that this is a sign of a more stable trade relationship between China and the US." In conclusion, China's exemption of Nexperia chips from export controls marks a significant easing of trade tensions between Beijing and Washington. The move is seen as a positive development for the automotive industry and a sign that China is willing to work towards a more stable trade relationship with the US.