Apple Seeks US Approval to Buy Memory Chips From Blacklisted Chinese Supplier CXMT

Apple is lobbying the Trump administration for an exception to purchase RAM chips from ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), a Chinese supplier blacklisted by the Pentagon for alleged ties to the People's Liberation Army, according to a report from the Financial Times. The move comes as Apple raises prices on nearly all its products this week due to skyrocketing memory costs.

Memory prices have surged dramatically, with DRAM and NAND flash costs rising by over 50% year over year, according to industry analysts. Apple's price hikes this week affected iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other devices, adding pressure on the company to find cheaper supply sources.

Legal Gray Area and Reputational Risk

Legally, Apple is not barred from buying chips from CXMT. The company was added to the Pentagon's list of Chinese military companies in 2024, but the Commerce Department has not yet placed it on the Entity List, which would impose export controls. The White House reportedly held off on that designation amid ongoing trade negotiations with China.

However, doing business with a company tied to the Chinese military carries significant reputational risks. John Moolenaar, Republican chair of the House China committee, told the Financial Times that "Apple choosing to partner with a Chinese military company would be a grave mistake." He added that it would make the U.S. tech industry more dependent on China at a time when the country should be building secure supply chains with allies.

• CXMT is one of China's leading DRAM manufacturers, producing memory chips used in smartphones, servers, and PCs.
• The Pentagon's blacklist designation does not carry automatic trade restrictions but signals national security concerns.
• Apple has historically diversified its supply chain away from China, but memory remains a critical component sourced largely from South Korea and Japan.
• The Trump administration has not publicly indicated whether it will grant Apple's request.
• Tim Cook has invested heavily in building relationships with the White House, including presenting President Trump with custom products and attending private screenings.

Political and Supply Chain Implications

If the White House grants Apple's request, it could face backlash from lawmakers and national security hawks who view CXMT as a conduit for Chinese military advancement. The decision would also set a precedent for other U.S. tech companies seeking access to blacklisted suppliers.

Apple's supply chain is under strain from multiple fronts: rising memory costs, geopolitical tensions, and the ongoing shift of production to India and Vietnam. The company's move to seek CXMT as a supplier underscores the difficulty of decoupling from Chinese manufacturing, even as Washington pushes for greater independence.

What comes next is uncertain. The administration may delay a decision until after trade talks conclude, or it could deny the request outright. Apple may also face internal pressure from investors and customers concerned about national security risks. For now, the company is betting that its lobbying power and Cook's personal diplomacy can open a door that remains firmly shut for most competitors.