Apple wants permission to purchase memory from a blacklisted Chinese supplier

Apple is looking to relieve some of the pressure on its supply chain by… Seek an exception From the Trump administration to purchase RAM chips from CXMT, a company blacklisted by the Pentagon over its ties to the People’s Liberation Army, according to Financial Times. The spike in RAM and storage prices has prompted Apple to raise prices on almost all of its products this week, so it makes sense to look to alternative sources.

Legally, Apple is not prohibited from purchasing chips from CXMT, but doing business with a company linked to the Chinese military would carry serious reputational risks. It is possible that CXMT could find itself the target of export controls to undermine US security. The company was on a list of proposed additions to the so-called “Entity List” by the Commerce Department, but held off because the White House was in the middle of trade negotiations with China.

It is unclear whether the administration will give its blessing to Apple. Tim Cook has spent a long time trying to do just that Building bridges With the Trump administration, where he presents to the president Flashy statues And attend a movie screening Melania The film is directed by Accused rapist Brett Ratner. But if the White House grants permission to Apple, such a decision would likely face significant backlash. John Moolenaar, Republican Chairman of the House China Committee, told… Financial Times Which:

“Apple choosing to partner with a Chinese military company would be a grave mistake… Helping the (Chinese Communist Party) succeed in its plans to control critical supply chains will make the technology industry and our country’s economy more dependent on China at a time when we must build secure technology supply chains with our allies.”