Apple wants permission to buy memory from a blacklisted Chinese supplier
Apple is seeking an exception to purchase memory chips from CXMT, a Chinese supplier blacklisted by the US government due to alleged ties to the People's Liberation Army. The move is driven by rising memory costs, though it faces significant political opposition regarding national security and supply chain independence.
Why it matters
It illustrates the tension between corporate supply chain efficiency and the growing US-China geopolitical tech rivalry.
Apple is looking to alleviate some of the pressure on its supply chain by seeking an exception from the Trump administration to buy RAM chips from CXMT, a company blacklisted by the Pentagon over ties to the People’s Liberation Army, according to the Financial Times. The skyrocketing prices of RAM and storage have driven Apple to raise prices on almost all of its products this week, so it makes sense that it would seek alternative sources.
The article presents both the business rationale for Apple and the national security concerns raised by lawmakers.
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