BUSINESS

United States: Apple seeks waiver to buy blacklisted Chinese chips

PUBLISHED Jun 27, 2026, 7:00 AM ET

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Apple has launched a lobbying effort with the Trump administration to obtain emergency clearance to purchase memory chips from ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), a Chinese semiconductor firm blacklisted by the U.S. government for alleged ties to the People’s Liberation Army. The campaign, reported by the Financial Times and initiated about a month ago with quiet outreach to the U.S. Department of Commerce, comes amid a global memory chip shortage driven by artificial intelligence data center growth. The shortage has pushed DRAM and NAND prices sharply higher, prompting Apple to raise MacBook and iPad prices by up to 33% this week.

By Michael Grant | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Recent years, AI data centers surge, straining global memory supplies
Recently, DRAM and NAND prices hit historic record highs
About a month ago, Apple approaches U.S. Commerce Department
About a month ago, lobbying for CXMT license begins
Recently, Financial Times reports Apple lobbying effort
One day before disclosure, Apple sharply raises device prices
Currently, CXMT remains on Pentagon 1260H blacklist
Now, U.S. regulators weigh national security concerns

News Intelligence

Your Apple devices could get pricier. A global chip shortage is driving up costs. Apple's lobbying for a waiver to buy blacklisted Chinese chips might be an attempt to keep prices stable. If unsuccessful, expect more price hikes.