A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has called on Apple to avoid using memory chips made by Chinese semiconductor companies CXMT and Yangtze Memory Technologies Co. (YMTC), warning that the decision could create long-term national security risks and increase the company’s dependence on suppliers linked to the Chinese government.
In a letter sent to Apple CEO Tim Cook, the lawmakers urged the company not to use memory chips from either CXMT or YMTC, even in products that are sold only within China. The letter was led by Republican Senator Jim Banks and Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer, reflecting rare bipartisan agreement on concerns surrounding China’s growing role in the global semiconductor industry.
The senators pointed out that both CXMT and YMTC appear on the Pentagon’s updated list of Chinese companies believed to support China’s military. They argued that relying on these suppliers would be a strategic mistake and could leave Apple dependent on firms that the US government considers military-linked.
The request comes as Apple is reportedly exploring new memory chip suppliers due to a global shortage that has pushed prices higher. Demand for memory has surged as artificial intelligence hardware, including products powered by Nvidia, continues to consume large amounts of advanced chips. Earlier this year, Apple also increased prices for several products, including Macs, iPads, home devices, and the Vision Pro headset, citing rising memory costs.
The lawmakers warned that even if Apple initially used Chinese-made memory chips only in devices sold in China, those components could eventually make their way into products distributed in other markets through future supply chain decisions.
They also questioned whether buying from Chinese manufacturers would deliver meaningful savings, noting that some analyses suggest CXMT’s memory chips are not always cheaper than competing alternatives.
The letter asks Apple to confirm by August 21 that it will not use memory chips from CXMT or YMTC in any of its products. It also requests information about Apple’s discussions with the two companies, including whether technical information has been shared and whether Apple has sought priority chip supplies from US or South Korean manufacturers.
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Apple has not publicly responded to the lawmakers’ request.
