TECHNOLOGY

Trump Administration Pressures Apple to Abandon Chinese Memory Chips Amidst Soaring Prices

PUBLISHED Aug 18, 2026, 9:17 AM ET

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Trump Administration Pressures Apple to Abandon Chinese Memory Chips Amidst Soaring Prices

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 31

Center 94%

Right 6%

Sources: 31

The Trump administration is urging Apple not to source memory chips from Chinese manufacturers as a global shortage pushes prices higher. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the administration opposes American companies using Chinese memory and confirmed that the message was conveyed to Apple after a visit to the company’s Houston facility. Apple has been testing memory from ChangXin Memory Technologies, or CXMT, for devices sold in China and has explored supplies from CXMT and Yangtze Memory Technologies. No commercial agreement has been confirmed. The dispute reflects competing U.S. priorities: limiting dependence on Chinese semiconductor companies while addressing shortages intensified by artificial-intelligence data-center demand. Micron Technology, the largest U.S.-based memory-chip maker, has opposed Apple’s plans, while bipartisan lawmakers have urged restrictions. Micron shares closed at $1,011.75 on August 17, according to Barron’s, amid broader strength across memory stocks that day. The administration’s position is pressure, not a confirmed blanket purchasing ban.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On June 25, 2026, Apple raised prices amid memory-cost pressures.
On June 27, 2026, Apple sought approval for Chinese CXMT memory purchases.
On July 1, 2026, Apple discussed CXMT and YMTC purchases.
On July 8, 2026, Apple tested CXMT memory for China devices.
On July 15, 2026, Reuters highlighted CXMT's growing strategic significance.
On July 16, 2026, lawmakers urged tighter Chinese memory purchasing restrictions.
On July 24, 2026, Micron intensified lobbying against Apple's Chinese-memory plans.
On July 30, 2026, senators demanded Apple reject Chinese military-linked memory.
On August 15, 2026, Lutnick publicly opposed Chinese memory sourcing.
On August 17, 2026, Micron closed above $1,000 amid memory-stock gains.
In coming weeks, Apple may continue testing alternatives amid shortages.
By August 21, 2026, Apple faces senators' requested response deadline.
Through late 2026, Washington may consider broader procurement restrictions.
During 2027, new domestic capacity could gradually ease shortages.
By 2028, expanded memory capacity may reduce supply pressures.
Future policy could increase costs while strengthening U.S. semiconductor resilience.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Apple faces tighter sourcing choices amid elevated memory costs.
Possible long-term US impact: Restrictions could strengthen domestic memory capacity but preserve higher prices.
Most affected groups: Apple, Micron, consumers, semiconductor workers, investors, and technology manufacturers.
Reader priority: Readers should prioritize primary documents, named sources, dates, and independently confirmed market data.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 31
Right Leaning:: 2
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 29

Explain Framing

Left: Coverage emphasizes consumer costs, shortages, and risks from restrictive policies. Center: Coverage emphasizes competing consumer, national-security, supply-chain, and industry interests. Right: Coverage emphasizes China dependency, national security, and protecting domestic semiconductor manufacturing.