A proposed loss of 100 jobs at the UK's largest chip plant has been blamed on UK government restrictions.
Nexperia was ordered by UK ministers to sell its 86% stake in the Newport site, due to national security concerns.
Semiconductors made at Newport Wafer Fab are used in millions of electronic products, from smartphones to household equipment and cars.
The company was bought by Dutch-based firm Nexperia, a subsidiary of Chinese firm Wingtech, in July 2021.
The company is now trying to sell the site in line with these directions. The UK government have been asked to comment on the proposed job losses.
Bosses had described losses among the 500 staff as "inevitable" after the firm was ordered to sell its controlling stake in November 2022.
UK ministers were worried about the potential influence of the Chinese government.
In announcing a consultation on the job losses, a company statement said: "This is a business decision that has not been taken lightly but is one that we are taking to protect the future viability of the site.
Some Nexperia staff have met MPs as they want to urge ministers to allow the facility to stay in the hands of its Chinese owners.
"As a result of the Secretary of State's Divestment Order in November 2022, and the restrictions imposed by the UK government, Nexperia has been forced to cancel its investment plans aimed at making the Newport site fit for the future, by introducing new technology and products."
The weakness in the global semiconductor market was also blamed for the job losses.
It said the staff reduction would take numbers back to the levels of its "acquisition to save Newport Wafer Fab from bankruptcy in July 2021".
The company said it will take "many months" until the site's future becomes clearer, the statement adding: "The Judicial Review (into the issue) process is disappointingly slow, for reasons beyond Nexperia's control.
"Continuing to explore a potential sale of the site, as directed by the government, is also likely to take many months.
"Our priority has always been our employees, and we are doing everything to support those affected at this time."
The Welsh Government has called on UK ministers to treat the sale of Newport Wafer Fab "as a critical priority" for it describes as a sector that is "a great success story for the Welsh and wider UK economy".
"It is critical that any new owner of the business has the means and intention to invest in the site as soon as possible," said Welsh Economy Minister Vaughan Gething.
~ BBC
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