TECHNOLOGY

White House Pressures Apple to Block Chinese Memory Chip Purchases

PUBLISHED Aug 17, 2026, 1:39 PM ET

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White House Pressures Apple to Block Chinese Memory Chip Purchases

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Sources: 26

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Sources: 26

The Trump administration is urging Apple not to buy memory chips from Chinese suppliers, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said, escalating pressure on the iPhone maker amid a global shortage driven by artificial-intelligence demand. Lutnick told The Wall Street Journal that the administration opposes Apple using memory from ChangXin Memory Technologies and Yangtze Memory Technologies, saying American companies should find other solutions. Apple has been testing CXMT DRAM and exploring Chinese memory supplies, according to reporting by the Financial Times and Bloomberg, but no commercial purchase agreement has been publicly confirmed. A bipartisan group of senators separately urged Apple to reject CXMT and YMTC chips, citing national-security concerns. CXMT and YMTC are on the Defense Department’s Chinese military companies list, while YMTC is also on the Commerce Department’s Entity List. Micron, the leading U.S. memory producer, is lobbying against Chinese sourcing. Its planned U.S. investment exceeds $250 billion through 2035, announced.

By Michael Grant | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On June 27, 2026 Apple sought clearance for CXMT purchases.
On July 8, 2026 Apple tested CXMT DRAM for China.
On July 16, 2026 lawmakers urged Lutnick to block memory.
On July 24, 2026 Apple and Micron intensified lobbying.
On July 30, 2026 senators urged Apple reject CXMT, YMTC.
On August 15, 2026 Lutnick opposed Apple’s Chinese memory sourcing.
On August 17, 2026 Micron shares rallied after administration pressure.
On August 17, 2026 Apple remained free to consider suppliers.
By late 2026, U.S. memory projects should continue construction rapidly.
During 2027, SK Hynix expects the worst supply shortage globally.
Beyond 2030, memory demand may remain above available production capacity.
Over coming months, Apple may seek allied alternatives amid shortages.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Apple may face memory costs as Washington limits sourcing flexibility.
Possible long-term US impact: Domestic memory investment could strengthen U.S. supply but preserve prices.
Reader priority: Prioritize primary statements, filings, and independent reporting over commentary online.
Most Affected: Apple, Micron, U.S. workers, consumers and suppliers face greatest effects.