Apple is looking to ease some of the pressure on its supply chain by seeking a waiver from the Trump administration to buy RAM chips from CXMT, a company blacklisted by the Pentagon because of ties to the People’s Liberation Army. financial Times. Skyrocketing prices of RAM and storage have led Apple to raise the prices of almost all of its products this week, so it makes sense that it would look for alternative sources.
Legally, Apple is not prohibited from purchasing chips from CXMT, but doing business with a company linked to the Chinese military would pose serious reputational risks. It is possible that CXMT may still find itself the target of export controls to undermine US security. The company was on the list of proposed additions to the so-called “Entity List” by the Commerce Department, but stalled because the White House was in the middle of trade negotiations with China.
It is unclear whether the administration will give Apple its blessing. Tim Cook has spent significant time trying to build relations with the Trump administration, presenting lavish statues to the president and attending screenings of the film. melania The film, directed by accused rapist Brett Ratner. But if the White House grants Apple permission, such a decision could deal a significant blow. John Moolenaar, Republican chairman of the House China Committee, said financial Times He:
“Apple partnering with a Chinese military company would be a serious mistake… Helping [Chinese Communist Party] “Succeeding in our plan to dominate critical supply chains will make our country’s technology industry and economy more dependent on China at a time when we must work with our partners to build secure technology supply chains.”
<a href