Caught in the middle of the continuing tensions around the Dutch chipmaker are global automakers who rely on the firm for its ubiquitous chips and experts say they have 'no way out'

The easing tensions will give some comfort to carmakers running short on Nexperia's chips, but it remains uncertain whether supply chain issues will be solved anytime soon

The EU has emerged as a key market for Chinese firms due to increasing competition and deflationary pressures at home and tough policies that deter their expansion in the US

Dialogue on Beijing's rare earth blockade has now become part of its negotiations on the EU's tariffs on China-made EVs, and it signals China's willingness to use its dominance in the critical industry as leverage

Automakers in Europe are facing tougher emissions rules this year, and face cumulative fines amounting to $15.6 billion if they fall short of targets

As Donald Trump tests America's ties with some of its closest allies, China is quickly emerging as the West's hedge against his tariff threats

China is currently the world’s dominant supplier of clean technologies, and the EU has been uneasy over its dependence on Beijing for them

China’s announcement last week on ending export tax rebate means exporters of affecting products — ranging from aluminium to used cooking oil — will look to pass on the resulting extra costs

Despite stalled talks between both the sides, it is unlikely that Beijing would want to torpedo its ties with the EU given its trade with the US is already hurt by geopolitics

The directive comes as, starting Wednesday, Chinese electric vehicles heading to Europe will be subject to tariffs as high as 45.3%

The agency expects carmakers to continue working towards making cheaper and innovative EVs — with China firmly in the lead. It also predicts a hit to Europe’s GDP from the EV transition

The EU is attempting to hold talks with some EV-makers outside of official channels, shaking “the foundation and mutual trust of the negotiations,” Beijing says