The iPhone maker is reportedly lobbying the Trump administration to source chips from blacklisted CXMT as memory prices soar.
Apple is reportedly seeking approval from the Trump administration to purchase memory chips from China’s ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), a move that highlights the growing tension between rising semiconductor costs and U.S. national security restrictions.
According to a Financial Times report published on Friday, the iPhone maker has been lobbying senior U.S. officials, including the White House and the Commerce Department, in an effort to secure permission to source memory chips from the Chinese manufacturer. Apple reportedly initiated discussions with the Commerce Department more than a month ago and has also engaged other administration officials and allies in Washington.
The company’s efforts come as soaring memory chip prices put increasing pressure on its hardware business. Rapid expansion of AI data centers has intensified demand for memory and storage chips, driving up costs across the technology industry. Apple recently acknowledged that it could no longer absorb these higher component costs, raising prices for select iPad and MacBook models.
ChangXin Memory Technologies is China’s leading memory chip producer but faces significant U.S. restrictions. The Pentagon designated the company as a Chinese military company during the Biden administration, and it was later approved for inclusion on the Commerce Department’s Entity List. Companies on the list require a special U.S. government license to receive American goods, software, or technology, with approvals generally difficult to obtain.
The reported lobbying effort illustrates the difficult position many U.S. technology companies face as they balance commercial needs with Washington’s tightening export controls and national security policies toward China’s semiconductor industry. Access to lower-cost memory chips could help Apple manage manufacturing expenses at a time when AI-driven demand continues to disrupt global semiconductor supply chains.
Neither Apple, the White House, nor ChangXin Memory Technologies responded to requests for comment regarding the reported discussions. The outcome of Apple’s request could influence how other technology companies navigate similar supply chain challenges amid evolving U.S.-China trade and technology restrictions.
