China's CXMT produces its first HBM3E, a generation behind Samsung and SK hynix
ChangXin Memory Technologies is making HBM3E in small quantities per The Information, one generation behind Samsung, SK hynix and Micron, which are already mass-producing HBM4, with yields near 25% as of June 2026 and a three-to-five-year technical gap. Alibaba's T-Head and Cambricon plan to ship products using the memory from 2027, which softens the US export-control chokehold on domestic Chinese AI chips without closing it — and CXMT's $8.6 billion Shanghai IPO earmarked none of the proceeds for HBM.
Source: the-decoder.com ↗
That could lower one hurdle for China's own AI chips, since US export rules limit the purchase of advanced HBM chips.
The Decoder
Why this matters
- → Closes a critical gap in China's domestic AI chip supply chain amid US export controls.
- → HBM3E adoption by Alibaba and Cambricon creates indigenous AI processor alternatives starting 2027.
- → 25% yields and 3-5 year technical lag leave room for targeted US sanctions to remain effective.
China's memory gamble