Trump's Ultimatum: US Administration Bars Apple from Buying Memory Chips from China Amid Global Shortage

On August 16, 2026, a new wave of the tech war erupted within the corridors of US power, this time striking at the very heart of global electronics — the memory market. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, during a recent visit to Apple's production facilities in Houston, voiced the hardline stance of President Donald Trump's administration: American tech giants are categorically advised not to rely on Chinese memory chip manufacturers. Despite a colossal shortage and rising prices, Washington insists that "great American companies" should not save their business models at the expense of Beijing.

Economic Crisis and Apple's Forced Choice

The situation in the memory market has reached a critical point. Colossal demand from data center operators serving the rapidly developing neural networks and AI has led to a global chip shortage. This has caused a sharp spike in prices for remaining components. Apple, like many other manufacturers, found itself in a trap: to avoid stopping production lines and raising iPhone prices to unacceptable levels, the company was forced to seek alternatives. According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple began active negotiations and testing with Chinese manufacturers CXMT and YMTC. This decision, dictated by harsh economics, became a stumbling block in relations with the Trump administration.

Political Pressure and Micron Lobbying

At the center of the conflict were not only the interests of Apple and China but also American competitors. Micron, the largest memory chip manufacturer in the US, is actively lobbying its interests in the White House. Micron appealed to the administration to ban Apple from purchasing from Chinese firms, arguing that such actions would strike a blow to domestic US production and undermine Trump's plans to bring industrial capacity back to the country. Micron, which has large-scale investment plans in the US, is using this as leverage, demanding protection from foreign competition amidst the shortage.

Legal Nuances and Component Testing

Although the US administration expresses dissatisfaction, the legal situation remains ambiguous. Current regulations require American companies to obtain a license to transfer technical information to Chinese manufacturers. However, if it concerns purchasing finished products or simply agreeing on prices, such permits may not be required. Informed sources report that Apple is testing CXMT and YMTC chips, likely for devices intended exclusively for the Chinese market. Apple's COO Sabih Khan, in an interview, refused to comment on the details of the tests but acknowledged that in conditions of shortage, one must "consider all options," including cooperation with existing suppliers to ramp up production.

Contradictory Data

There is a clear contradiction between public statements and the actual actions of the parties. On one hand, Howard Lutnick states that the administration's position has been "brought to the attention of Apple's leadership" and that "other solutions" must be found. On the other hand, Apple continues to test Chinese chips, and Sabih Khan emphasizes that there are few "opportunities for modification" of memory architecture. Furthermore, HP and Acer have already begun installing CXMT memory in computers sold outside the US, creating a precedent that Apple could use to justify its actions. While the Trump administration declares unity with Apple, actual tension is rising as the company is forced to balance between political pressure and the necessity of business survival.

Global Consequences and Supply Chains

The memory chip shortage has affected not only Apple but a wide range of industries — from automotive to medical equipment. Political will cannot instantly solve the problem, as building new production capacity will take at least a year. Apple has pledged to invest tens of billions of dollars in chip production in the US and the construction of new factories in India, but these measures are long-term. In the short term, the company is forced to rely on Asian supply chains, creating risks for its relations with Washington and the potential introduction of new tariffs.