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Major PC manufacturers including HP, Dell, Acer and Asus are exploring the possibility of sourcing memory chips from Chinese suppliers for the first time, according to a report from Nikkei Asia published Thursday. This potential shift in the global memory chip supply chain comes as the technology industry faces an acute shortage of memory components that threatens product launches and drives up manufacturing costs worldwide.
The companies have not immediately responded to requests for comment, and Reuters has not independently verified the report. However, the move would represent a significant strategic pivot for these Western PC makers, which have traditionally relied on established memory chip manufacturers from South Korea, Japan, and the United States.
Memory Chip Shortage Drives Strategic Shift
The global electronics supply chain is currently grappling with a severe shortage of memory chips, which are essential components in devices ranging from smartphones and laptops to data centers and servers. This memory chip shortage has created urgent pressure on manufacturers to identify alternative supply sources to maintain production schedules and competitive pricing.
According to sources cited by Nikkei Asia, HP has already begun qualifying products from ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), a Chinese memory chipmaker. The qualification process involves rigorous testing to ensure the chips meet performance and reliability standards required for HP’s products.
Timeline and Market Considerations
HP is reportedly planning to monitor the DRAM supply situation until approximately mid-2026. If dynamic random access memory supplies remain constrained and prices continue their upward trajectory, the company would likely begin sourcing from CXMT for non-U.S. markets, according to the report.
Meanwhile, Dell is also qualifying CXMT’s DRAM products amid concerns that memory prices will continue to surge throughout 2026. The company’s proactive approach reflects growing anxiety within the PC industry about sustained supply constraints and their impact on profit margins.
Broader Industry Response
Additionally, Acer has indicated openness to using Chinese-made memory chips if its contract suppliers in China purchase them, the report stated. This conditional approach suggests the company is weighing both supply chain flexibility and potential market sensitivities.
Asus has taken a similar stance by requesting its Chinese production partners to assist in sourcing memory chips for certain notebook projects. This collaborative approach with existing manufacturing partners could provide a smoother pathway to incorporating alternative memory chip suppliers into production lines.
Implications for the Semiconductor Industry
The potential entry of Chinese memory chipmakers into the supply chains of major Western PC manufacturers carries significant implications for the global semiconductor industry. It could reshape competitive dynamics in the memory chip market, which has historically been dominated by companies such as Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron Technology.
However, the consideration of Chinese suppliers also introduces geopolitical complexities. The semiconductor sector has become increasingly intertwined with national security concerns and trade policy in recent years, particularly regarding technology transfer and supply chain dependencies between Western nations and China.
In contrast to consumer markets, the report indicates that HP’s potential sourcing from Chinese memory chipmakers would initially focus on non-U.S. markets, suggesting awareness of regulatory and political sensitivities in the American market.
The timeline for any final decisions remains uncertain, with manufacturers indicating they will continue assessing supply conditions and pricing trends over the coming months. Industry observers expect clearer signals about sourcing strategies to emerge as companies approach their mid-2026 evaluation period.
