Apple’s Bid for Memory: Seeking Approval from a Controversial Chinese Supplier

Apple Seeks Exception to Buy RAM Chips from Blacklisted Chinese Company

In an effort to ease supply chain pressures, Apple is reportedly requesting an exception from the Trump administration to procure RAM chips from CXMT, a company with ties to the People’s Liberation Army that has been blacklisted by the Pentagon, as reported by the Financial Times. The recent surge in RAM and storage prices has led Apple to raise prices across its product line, prompting the search for alternative sources.

While there is no legal restriction preventing Apple from doing business with CXMT, the association with a company linked to the Chinese military poses significant reputational risks. CXMT may potentially face export controls for jeopardizing US security, as it was previously considered for inclusion in the Commerce Department’s “Entity List” due to its ties to the Chinese military.

The decision on whether Apple will be granted permission by the administration remains uncertain. Despite Apple’s efforts to establish a rapport with the Trump administration, including gestures like presenting extravagant statues and attending events such as a screening of the Melania movie directed by Brett Ratner, a decision in favor of Apple could spark significant backlash. John Moolenaar, the Republican chair of the House China committee, expressed concerns to the Financial Times, stating that partnering with a Chinese military-affiliated company would be detrimental to the tech industry and economy, potentially increasing dependency on China.

“Apple choosing to partner with a Chinese military company would be a grave mistake… Helping the [Chinese Communist Party] succeed in its plans to dominate critical supply chains will make our country’s tech industry and economy more dependent on China at a time when we must build secure tech supply chains with our allies,”