U.S. Senators Warn Apple Against Using Chinese Memory Chips from CXMT and YMTC
Several U.S. senators have reportedly written a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook, urging the tech giant not to use memory chips produced by ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) or Yangtze Memory Technologies Corp (YMTC), even for products sold exclusively in China. The lawmakers cited concerns that both companies are listed on the Pentagon’s updated list of Chinese firms allegedly supporting Beijing's military infrastructure. CXMT, specifically, is included on the 1260H list, which designates it as a potential national security risk. The senators argued that sourcing memory chips from these entities could create dependency and pose risks to U.S. interests despite any cost benefits. They also dismissed claims that using Chinese memory would reduce Apple's product prices by noting CXMT’s pricing is sometimes higher than its competitors'. The letter was signed by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Apple had reportedly begun testing CXMT chips for use in China amid a global chip shortage. This move has raised concerns about the potential impact on major U.S.-based memory suppliers like Samsung Electronics Co Ltd., SK Hynix Inc., and Micron Technology Inc.
Topics: Apple ChangXin Memory Technologies CXMT U.S. Senate Yangtze Memory Technologies Corp YMTC