Apple Seeks US Approval to Source Memory Chips from Controversial Chinese Supplier CXMT

Apple is pursuing official approval from the US government to purchase memory chips from Chinese manufacturer CXMT, which was recently added to a US Defense Department list of companies linked to China’s People’s Liberation Army. Although CXMT’s inclusion on the 1260H list does not outright ban American companies from doing business with it, it raises significant regulatory and political challenges. The US Defense Department is prohibited from contracting with or using products from companies on the list, even indirectly, prompting Apple to seek formal government backing before proceeding.

According to the Financial Times, Apple approached the US Commerce Department about a month ago and is engaging with other Washington officials to advance its request. This move aims to alleviate the ongoing global memory chip shortage that has recently forced Apple to raise prices on many hardware products. For example, the 1TB MacBook Pro with the M5 chip increased by $300, the base MacBook Neo by $100, and all iPad Pro models by $200 compared to prices just a week earlier.

Currently, Apple primarily sources memory chips from American company Micron and South Korean manufacturers Samsung and SK Hynix. Adding CXMT to its supply chain could provide an additional source amid high demand and limited supply. However, the plan faces opposition in the US Congress, where lawmakers are expected to resist approval. John Mulaney, a congressional leader investigating China’s geopolitical influence, told the Financial Times that Apple partnering with a Chinese company linked to the military would be a "serious mistake."

If approved, Apple’s request would highlight the growing tension between commercial interests and US national security policy, especially as major tech firms seek stable supplies of critical components.