Apple Lobbies Trump Administration for Clearance to Buy Chips from Blacklisted Chinese Firm CXMT

*Apple is pressing for approval to source memory chips from a company the Pentagon has tied to the Chinese military.*

Apple is seeking clearance from the Trump administration to purchase memory chips from CXMT, a Chinese company placed on the Pentagon’s 1260H blacklist for alleged connections to the People’s Liberation Army. The request was first reported by the Financial Times and confirmed by six people familiar with the discussions.

CXMT ranks as China’s national champion in memory production. The Pentagon added the firm to its list of Chinese Military Companies because of claimed ties that undermine U.S. national security. Apple is not currently prohibited from buying chips from CXMT or from another listed firm, YMTC, yet any purchases would require explicit administration approval.

Congress is expected to raise strong objections if the administration grants the request. Lawmakers have previously opposed loosening restrictions on dealings with firms that appear on the 1260H list.

Why it matters

The move signals that Apple is willing to test the boundaries of U.S. export controls in search of stable memory supply. Memory prices and availability remain volatile, and alternative sources outside China are limited. If clearance is granted, the decision will test how far the administration will go to accommodate a major U.S. company while maintaining the blacklist’s original intent. If denied, Apple will face continued pressure to diversify its suppliers under tighter constraints.

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Sources:

• Engadget
• Daring Fireball

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