After months of trade threats and blockades, it seems that Washington and Beijing have decided to temporarily reduce tensions. The United States and China have reached an agreement to resume the supply of semiconductors from Dutch company Nexperia, whose factories are located in China. Details of the deal are expected to be released in the coming days, as the Trump administration prepares a briefing on the new trade agreement with China. Sources suggest this is part of the negotiations recently conducted between Trump and Xi Jinping at the latest summit.

For global markets, this signals a rare moment of de-escalation: a ban on Nexperia's product exports this month nearly brought automotive production in Europe to a standstill. Previously, China had blocked shipments in response to the Netherlands’ decision to take control of the company, which is owned by Chinese investors. Beijing perceived this move as yet another manifestation of Western pressure, reigniting the trade confrontation.

Now, China's commerce ministry has announced that exports will be permitted “under certain conditions.” The specifics remain undisclosed, but the key takeaway for markets is clear: the ban has been loosened. For automakers, this provides a chance to exhale, even if only temporarily. Volkswagen and BMW have already reduced orders from suppliers, while the largest association of US automakers warned that the industry could come to a halt within weeks. Even the CEO of Ford Motor described the situation as a "problem for the entire industry."

The agreement with Nexperia appears to be a pragmatic gesture, not reconciliation but a ceasefire. With Washington easing tensions in supply chains and Beijing demonstrating flexibility, the world is getting a brief reprieve. As usual in such cases, little faith is placed in a permanent resolution. For now, however, markets are grateful for even a momentary pause.