Honda China Factory Shutdown 2026: Two-Week Extension as Chip Shortage Persists

The lights at Honda Motor's Chinese plants will stay off for another two weeks. The persistent semiconductor shortage has once again tripped up the Japanese automaker's recovery, forcing a longer-than-planned suspension of operations. This delay isn't just a minor hiccup—it's a significant blow to Honda's competitive edge in the world's largest auto market.

Honda China Factory Shutdown Details

According to Nikkei Asia, Honda announced Monday that it'll suspend operations at three factories run by its Chinese joint venture, GAC Honda Automobile, for an additional two weeks. The automaker cited a shortage of automotive semiconductor devices as the primary reason for the extended downtime.

The affected sites include critical hubs producing the P7 electric vehicle. While competitors like BYD are ramping up production, Honda is struggling to secure the basic chips needed to keep its assembly lines moving. This extension is expected to impact sales targets for early 2026.

The Growing Impact of the Chip Crunch

The shortage is pushing Honda toward a possible fall to No. 4 among Japanese automakers. As the industry pivots to EVs—which require significantly more semiconductors—traditional manufacturers with rigid supply chains are finding themselves at a disadvantage. The current crisis highlights the vulnerability of legacy supply management compared to the vertical integration of emerging rivals.