Apple Pushes for Access to Chinese Chipmaker CMXT
Synopsis
The iPhone maker is said to be exploring supplies from Chinese chipmaker CXMT despite Pentagon restrictions, highlighting growing cost pressures across the technology industry.
Apple has approached US officials for approval to purchase memory chips from China's Chang Xin Memory Technologies, as the iPhone-maker seeks to widen its supply chain amidst price rises, the Financial Times said, citing people involved in the talks.
The negotiations also involve US Commerce Department officials, among others, according to people briefed on the discussions.
Apple, the White House and the CXMT have not offered comments. The request follows price hikes from the iPhone-manufacturer for its iPad and MacBook line, with the company explaining "can no longer afford" to absorb further costs on memory and storage components.
Worldwide chip supply has faced strain as a boost in AI spending from tech companies pushes up demand for memory chips.
AI Demand Keeps Memory Prices Elevate
The artificial intelligence industry continues to drive up memory chip prices and has a driving effect on the memory chip industry.
Gartner research predicts that global semiconductor revenues are poised to reach US$760.7 billion in 2026 amid a growing demand for memory products, semiconductors and processors, in addition to data-centre equipment, and these are likely to affect the manufacturers in the mobile and consumer electronics, consumer hardware and enterprise computing sectors.
The world's largest tech company is anticipated to record $391.04 billion in revenues and $93.74bn in net income for its 2025 fiscal year ending September 27.
CXMT Faces US Restrictions
CXMT currently is a top DRAM memory chips manufacturer in China, and has been critical to the Beijing government's efforts to strengthen the nation's indigenous chip production.
The US Department of Defence has placed CXMT under the label Chinese Military Companies, while also on a list maintained by the Commerce Department which restricts business with companies using the designation.
Companies that do business with such entities are typically required to obtain an export license from the US government before selling US-made technology. Other key players in the memory chips sector besides CXMT are South Korea's Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, alongside US-based Micron Technology.
China has stepped up investment in home-grown chips in an effort to overcome a range of restrictive export policies imposed by Washington over the last few years. The US administration hasn't yet given approval for this to Apple.
Source: Reuters
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Pooja Malik is a business journalist with over six years of experience covering startups, entrepreneurship, and emerging trends. She has previously worked with leading media platforms such as YourStory Media and BW BusinessWorld, where she reported on business, policy, and market developments. Currently, she serves as Editor at The Inspirepreneur Magazine, where she writes and edits stories across business, lifestyle, and travel, with a focus on clarity, accuracy, and reader relevance.
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