# Apple and Micron clash before Trump administration over Chinese memory chips Micron lobbies against Apple's plan to use memory chips from Chinese suppliers. - **Source:** [9to5Mac](https://brifing.si/source/59447403-ce5b-427c-8132-8614f549929a) - **Published:** 2026-07-25 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/bf21c6bc-07e9-49c6-84b0-81c202754b05 ## Apple's Chinese memory chip plan Apple plans to use memory chips from Chinese manufacturers ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) and Yangtze Memory Technologies (YMTC) in its products. However, these companies are listed by the Pentagon as Chinese military companies, making any deal politically sensitive. ## Micron's objections Micron, a leading US memory chip manufacturer, opposes Apple's planned deal with Chinese suppliers. Micron executives argue that allowing China's state-subsidized companies to sell to US tech firms risks devastating the domestic industry, similar to what happened with US steel and manufacturing plants. ## Trump administration's dilemma The dispute between Apple and Micron puts the Trump administration in a difficult position. The administration may have to choose between lowering prices for US consumers and increasing domestic semiconductor production to reduce dependence on other countries. ## Apple's political maneuvers Apple has been building goodwill with the administration through initiatives like its $600 billion American Manufacturing Program and deals with Intel and Broadcom. These moves are seen as efforts to gain political capital to offset controversial plans like sourcing from restricted Chinese suppliers. ## Memory market volatility Micron's stock performance follows the broader memory market. While shares are up 191% year-to-date, they've experienced significant volatility recently. The stock currently trades 23% below its late-June all-time high, reflecting market uncertainties. ## Balancing national security and economic interests The White House has avoided taking a clear position on the Apple-Micron dispute, stating only that it will pursue investments for Americans while safeguarding national security. This highlights the complexities of global competition in technology supply chains and the challenges of policymaking in this arena. ## Sources covering this story - https://9to5mac.com/2026/07/24/report-apple-and-micron-clash-before-trump-over-chinese-memory-chips/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._