Qualcomm is slashing 1,500 jobs in the state

Qualcomm Inc. is slashing at least 1,500 jobs in California, trying to cut costs, at the same time its $44-billion bid to acquire NXP Semiconductors is running into problems getting antitrust clearance from China.

The San Diego company, a leading provider of chips for mobile phones, said the layoffs included permanent and temporary workers.

The company — which employs 33,800 people worldwide, including about 13,000 in San Diego — has said it is looking to cut about $1 billion from its operating expenses to help boost earnings. It began notifying employees of the layoffs Wednesday. On Thursday, it revealed it is laying off 1,231 workers in San Diego and 269 in the Santa Clara and San Jose area.

“A workforce reduction such as this one affects not only those employees who are part of the reduction but their families, co-workers and the community,” a Qualcomm spokesperson said in a statement Wednesday. “We recognize this and have offered affected employees supportive severance packages to reduce the impact of this transition on them.”

Qualcomm had set the cost-savings goal during its battle with rival chipmaker Broadcom Ltd., which made an unwanted $117-billion buyout offer for Qualcomm. The proposed deal was blocked by the Trump administration in March on national security grounds.

Qualcomm’s bid for Dutch chipmaker NXP also appeared caught in the middle of growing disputes between the United States and China over trade and technology.

Qualcomm shares slid 4.8% to $52.57 a share and NXP fell 5.2% to $107.17.