Commerce Secretary says US opposes Apple buying Chinese memory chips

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has formally urged Apple to avoid incorporating Chinese-manufactured memory chips into its products. The request comes as the technology giant continues to navigate global supply chain constraints and seeks to diversify its component sourcing strategies.

Secretary Lutnick’s intervention highlights the ongoing tension between US national security interests and the globalized nature of the semiconductor industry. By discouraging the use of Chinese memory chips, the Commerce Department aims to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers that the US government views as potential security risks, particularly as the administration pushes for increased domestic production and stronger supply chain resilience.

Apple has been actively working to alleviate the impact of global supply shortages that have affected the electronics industry for several years. While the company has historically relied on a diverse array of international suppliers, the pressure from US officials signals a shift toward more restrictive procurement policies. The company has not yet issued a formal response regarding how this guidance might impact its future manufacturing timelines or its relationships with specific memory chip vendors.

Industry analysts note that such requests from the Commerce Department carry significant weight for major US corporations, as they often precede more formal regulatory actions or export controls. The situation remains a focal point for investors and stakeholders monitoring how Apple balances its massive production requirements in China with the evolving geopolitical landscape and the US government's strategic technology objectives.