Apple seeks US approval to buy Chinese CXMT memory chips

Apple has been lobbying the Trump administration for a special waiver that would let the company purchase DRAM memory chips from China’s ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT). CXMT, a fast‑growing domestic DRAM maker, is listed on the Pentagon’s 1260H “military‑linked” blacklist, meaning any deal would require a separate license and faces strong political opposition in Washington.

Apple’s push follows a series of price hikes on iPads, MacBooks and other devices after memory‑chip costs surged by up to 98 % in early 2026. The company says the new supplier could lower component costs by as much as 30 % and diversify its supply chain, which is currently dominated by Micron, Samsung and SK Hynix. Rep. John Moolenaar warned that partnering with a firm “linked to the Chinese military” would be “a grave mistake” and could increase U.S. reliance on China.

The outcome of Apple’s request will affect its ability to contain pricing pressures, its relationship with the U.S. government, and the broader geopolitical tension over semiconductor supply chains.