(JW Insights) Jul 26 -- China's slumping smartphone market remains far from a rebound. But that one major non-Android customer's chip orders are still comparing well with historical trends, NXP Semiconductors CEO Kurt Sievers said, reported Reuters on July 26.

Netherlands-based NXP makes a near-field communications chip that goes into smartphones to help with mobile payments and other functions. Sievers did not discuss Apple Inc by name, but analysts believe the iPhone maker is a major customer.

China's smartphone market has suffered as the country's growth has slowed, with Counterpoint Research reporting that sales declined 8% for the early June "618" shopping season in the country. But Apple has resisted the trend, with sales rising 8% during the shopping period, Counterpoint said.

NXP's forecast suggests that Apple's strength may continue. While the Android portion of those mobile chip orders is growing slightly, Sievers said there is no rebound in sight.

"I would still say the (smartphone) build rates are below what they used to be in China. And we also don't see it jumping," he said.

Sievers said most of the 23% increase forecast for mobile chip sales is attributable to a large customer that NXP cannot name. Most analysts believe that company is Apple, according to the Reuters report.

(Gao J)