Apple urges Trump approval to buy Chinese memory chips as AI costs bite

Key Facts

1Apple is lobbying the Trump administration for clearance to buy memory chips from Chinese manufacturer CXMT as the AI boom pushes up semiconductor costs

2Rising demand from AI data centres is reshaping the semiconductor market and straining global supply chains

As the AI boom reshapes the semiconductor market and pushes up supply-chain costs, Apple is seeking to diversify its memory chip sources by lobbying the Trump administration for regulatory approval to buy from Chinese manufacturer CXMT. According to reports, the company is requesting clearance for the deal, aiming to ease rising cost pressures linked to AI memory demand.

The move comes amid soaring infrastructure spending on artificial intelligence across the tech sector. Market data shows Apple's stock closed at $283.78 on June 26, while peers like Microsoft and Meta traded near recent highs, reflecting the AI-driven demand for memory chips and the strain on global supply.

Technically, Apple shares are trading at $283.78 (close of June 26), with a weekly range of $274.21–$285.95. Investors are watching US-China trade approval developments, as the outcome of Apple's lobbying efforts will shape its ability to lower memory costs and secure supply chains in the coming quarters.