Apple is actively exploring the addition of Chinese memory makers ChangXin Memory Technologies and Yangtze Memory Technologies Co. to its supply chain, according to a DIGITIMES report cited by ChainCatcher. The report says both companies are continuing to expand and are drawing attention over whether they can formally enter Apple’s supplier system. Industry sources quoted in the report said the two manufacturers are using Apple as a benchmark to demonstrate that Chinese DRAM and NAND Flash products have reached international quality standards, while also shipping to North American neocloud and enterprise customers through third-party assembly channels. The report also details their capital plans and production ramp-up. CXMT’s parent company has completed a 29.5 billion yuan fundraising round, while YMTC is preparing an IPO expected to raise about 33 billion yuan for production-line upgrades and research and development. DIGITIMES added that YMTC turned profitable in 2024, posted 33.379 billion yuan in attributable net profit in the first quarter of 2026, and plans to bring its phase-three plant online in the fourth quarter of 2026.

A new report cited by ChainCatcher says notebook computer brands are pulling back from earlier plans to move more production into Southeast Asia, with manufacturing focus returning to Chongqing and Kunshan in China. According to DIGITIMES, HP, ASUS and Acer have recently made visible cuts to the capacity they had planned to relocate, while also increasing orders and white-label production with Chinese ODM and EMS suppliers. The shift could affect production lines at Quanta and Inventec in Thailand, as well as Compal and Wistron in Vietnam. The report says Lenovo, Dell and Apple have so far shown less movement. Supply chain sources cited two main reasons for the change: a lower-than-expected hit from replacement tariffs after the U.S. reciprocal tariffs were ruled unconstitutional by the federal Supreme Court, and a cost gap that leaves notebook production in Southeast Asia averaging $9 more per unit than in China. With gross margins on a single notebook often sitting between 3% and 10%, and lower-priced models averaging about $300, that difference can wipe out most or all profit. The report also says local governments in China are pushing for higher output and may reclaim past subsidies if production does not rise.

Concerns that SpaceX’s decision to move its PCB production line from Los Angeles to Texas could disrupt orders for Taiwanese satellite-board makers have eased after a DIGITIMES report said the new facility is not positioned for commercial-scale output. The report said the Texas operation has yields well below those of Taiwanese manufacturers and is focused mainly on low-volume, highly confidential orders tied to the U.S. defense and military industrial system. Industry sources familiar with the satellite sector said SpaceX still relies heavily on non-China capacity operated by Taiwanese and Japanese PCB makers in Southeast Asia, including plants in Thailand and Vietnam. Taiwanese suppliers also said the current allocation of SpaceX satellite orders has not changed and that the Texas capacity is unlikely to pose a meaningful threat over the next three years. Against that backdrop, Compeq Manufacturing and Unitech Printed Circuit Board were described as remaining in place within the satellite supply chain, while upstream copper clad laminate suppliers Taiwan Union Technology and Elite Material continue to hold material positions. The report also said material shortages are beginning to ease, with second-quarter pull-in momentum expected to recover and Thai factory expansion plans at key suppliers set to support future demand.