Apple seeks approval to source memory chips from a blacklisted Chinese supplier

Apple is reportedly seeking approval from the Trump administration to purchase memory chips from Chinese semiconductor manufacturer ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), despite the company being included on a US Defence Department blacklist. The reported move comes as the technology giant faces rising memory costs that have already led to higher prices across several of its products.

According to a Financial Times report, Apple has approached officials in Washington to secure permission to add CXMT to its supply chain. The company is said to have contacted the US Commerce Department more than a month ago and to have continued discussions with other government officials as it seeks reassurance that sourcing components from the Chinese supplier would not trigger future restrictions.

Apple looks for new suppliers amid rising memory costs

Apple is not currently prohibited from purchasing chips from CXMT. However, the company was recently added to the Pentagon’s 1260H list, which identifies businesses that the US government believes have links to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. While inclusion on the list does not automatically ban commercial transactions, it can create political, legal and reputational risks for American companies.

Reports indicate that Apple is seeking explicit approval from the White House before moving forward. The company is also understood to be seeking assurances that CXMT will not later be added to the US Commerce Department’s Entity List, which would introduce much stricter export controls and licensing requirements.

The reported lobbying effort highlights the growing pressure on global technology companies amid rising memory chip prices. Increased demand from artificial intelligence infrastructure and data centres has tightened supply across the semiconductor market, driving up the prices of memory components.

Apple currently sources memory chips from US manufacturer Micron and South Korean suppliers Samsung and SK Hynix. Adding CXMT would diversify its supplier base and could help reduce the financial impact of ongoing shortages if approval is granted.

Memory shortages continue to affect Apple’s business

The reported request comes shortly after Apple increased prices across much of its hardware portfolio. The company has cited rapidly rising memory and storage costs as the main reason behind the changes, marking one of the rare occasions when it has publicly acknowledged that component prices could no longer be absorbed internally.

Recent price adjustments include higher costs for MacBook and iPad models, reflecting the wider pressure facing manufacturers that depend on advanced semiconductor components. The shortage has been driven largely by the expansion of AI-related computing, which has increased demand for DRAM and other memory technologies across the industry.

Industry analysts have noted that securing an additional supplier could strengthen Apple’s negotiating position while reducing its dependence on existing manufacturers. At the same time, any agreement involving a Chinese supplier that raises US national security concerns would likely be scrutinised by lawmakers and regulators.

Neither Apple, the White House, nor CXMT publicly commented on the reported discussions when contacted by the Financial Times and Reuters.

Political opposition could complicate any approval

Any decision by the Trump administration to approve Apple’s request is expected to face opposition in Congress. Several lawmakers have argued that allowing major US technology companies to strengthen commercial ties with Chinese semiconductor firms could undermine efforts to secure domestic and allied technology supply chains.

Among the strongest critics is Representative John Moolenaar, who chairs congressional efforts examining China’s geopolitical influence. Speaking to the Financial Times, he warned against such a partnership, stating: “Apple choosing to partner with a Chinese military company would be a grave mistake.”

The debate reflects broader tensions between commercial interests and national security policy. While companies such as Apple are seeking ways to manage rising manufacturing costs and maintain stable supplies, US officials continue to tighten restrictions on Chinese technology firms deemed strategically important.

It remains unclear whether the Trump administration will approve Apple’s request. Any decision is likely to balance the commercial challenges facing one of America’s largest technology companies against ongoing concerns over national security and the resilience of global semiconductor supply chains.