Apple is actively seeking approval from the US government to purchase memory chips from ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), a Chinese manufacturer currently on the US Department of Commerce’s Entity List.
According to a report by Financial Times, citing six sources familiar with the matter, the tech giant has contacted US trade officials to request a waiver that would allow the procurement of components from the blacklisted supplier.
CXMT remains restricted under US export controls due to alleged ties to the Chinese military.
The company’s inclusion on the Entity List prohibits US firms from engaging in transactions with it without specific government authorization.
Apple’s move to seek an exception underscores the complexity of navigating US-China trade restrictions while maintaining global supply chain operations.
The development adds another layer to the ongoing friction between US technology firms and Chinese semiconductor manufacturers.