US government tells Apple: Find alternatives to China for memory chips
Amid rising component prices caused by a worldwide shortage, the US government is urging Apple to discontinue sourcing memory chips from Chinese manufacturers. Allegedly, Apple has been assessing chips from CXMT and Yangtze Memory, however, US officials are pushing for a revitalized domestic supply chain. This call is echoed by US domestic chipmakers and senators who stress the importance of…
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick instructed Apple to seek alternatives to sourcing memory chips from China amid a global shortage driving up component prices. Lutnick advised the tech giant to explore options with American companies instead of relying on Chinese manufacturers CXMT and Yangtze Memory Technologies. The administration is pushing Apple to shift more of its supply chain to the US, stating that while they have built their supply chains on low-cost labor, they now need to build on advanced manufacturing.
Apple COO Sabih Khan acknowledged that the company is looking at all options, including working with existing US suppliers to increase production. He noted that memory chips are off-the-shelf components and could potentially be used in Apple devices. However, US government rules require American companies to obtain a licence before sharing product information with Chinese memory chip makers, which could complicate any potential collaborations.
The dispute adds tension between Apple and the Trump administration, despite both parties highlighting cooperation on US manufacturing.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
