Apple is pushing the Trump administration to allow its products sold outside the U.S. to use memory chips from Chinese suppliers CXMT and YMTC—companies designated by the Pentagon and on the Commerce Department’s Entity List. Tim Cook highlighted the need for the U.S. to reconsider restrictions, citing the ongoing memory shortage.

Micron, led by CEO Sanjay Mehrotra, opposes the move, arguing that any access to these state‑subsidized firms could undermine domestic chipmakers. Micron has warned that allowing CXMT and YMTC to sell to U.S. tech firms would mirror China’s historical impact on U.S. steel and manufacturing.

The dispute forces the administration to balance consumer price cuts against boosting domestic semiconductor production. Apple has spent $600 billion on its American Manufacturing Program to gain political goodwill.

Micron’s stock has jumped 191% year‑to‑date, yet it remains volatile, trading 23% below its late‑June high. The White House says it will pursue investments and economic relief while safeguarding national security.