- Apple filed a petition in June 2026 seeking permission to buy RAM chips from blacklisted Chinese supplier CXMT.
- The request is opposed by US memory chip producer Micron, whose CEO met with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick arguing that allowing sales could harm the market.
- CXMT is on the Chinese Military Company blacklist (1260H List) due to ties to the People’s Liberation Army, posing a risk to US national security.
- Apple is not explicitly banned from buying from CXMT and has conducted small-scale testing with the supplier.
- Micron argues for building more domestic plants faster and plans to spend $250 billion in the US to boost capacity.
- Apple accuses Micron of price gouging with 80% gross profit margins and claims Micron is not investing fast enough.
- Apple contends that any additional capacity would have little impact on the broader supply chain as most would go to AI customers.
- President Donald Trump can decide between supporting Apple's short-term request or backing renewed investment in US chip manufacturing.
Apple's petition to purchase memory chips from CXMT, a company on the US blacklist, has sparked a clash with Micron, which argues that such a move could jeopardize the US market. The Trump administration is now weighing the implications of this request.123456
In June, Apple filed a petition seeking permission to buy RAM chips from CXMT, which is included in the 1260H List of companies believed to have ties to the People’s Liberation Army. This list is maintained by the Pentagon due to national security concerns.
Micron, a US memory chip producer, has opposed Apple's request, with CEO Sanjay Mehrotra meeting with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to express concerns. Micron argues that allowing sales from CXMT could harm the market in the long run.
Micron is also investing heavily in domestic production, planning to spend close to $250 billion to boost its capacity. The company claims that Apple's arguments about pricing and supply are unfounded, stating that its 80% gross profit margins indicate price gouging.891011
As the situation unfolds, President Donald Trump faces a decision: support Apple's request for immediate relief or back increased investment in US chip manufacturing, which could provide a longer-term solution to supply chain issues.
“Apple accuses Micron of price gouging with 80% gross profit margins and argues the US company is not investing fast enough to boost supply. Micron plans $250 billion in US capacity expansion but says most output will go to AI customers, limiting broader market impact.”
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