Faced with a persistent global shortage of memory chips, several major PC manufacturers, including HP, Dell, Acer and Asus, are for the first time considering sourcing from Chinese producers in order to safeguard their production chains, according to Nikkei Asia.
The tight supply of memory chips, a key component in computers, smartphones and data centers, continues to weigh on the global electronics industry. It has led to delays in some product launches and is fueling a broad rise in manufacturing costs.
Against this backdrop, HP has launched a qualification process for memory chips produced by ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), a Chinese DRAM specialist. According to sources close to the matter cited by Nikkei Asia, the move aims to broaden the company’s sourcing options.
HP plans to monitor market developments until mid-2026 and could, should supply tensions persist and prices continue to rise, turn for the first time to CXMT products for its markets outside the United States, marking a first for the company.
Dell, for its part, has also begun testing CXMT’s DRAM products, anticipating a prolonged surge in memory chip prices throughout 2026.
The trend is also reaching Asian players. Acer has indicated it is open to using Chinese chips if its local subcontractors include them in their procurement, while Asus has asked its production partners in China to explore this option for certain laptop projects.
Behind these still cautious steps lies a gradual but significant adjustment of sourcing strategies, as the PC industry seeks to balance geopolitical constraints, rising component costs and the need to ensure production continuity.
