Samsung Electronics leads the global smartphone market in Q2 2025 with a 7.9% shipment increase to 58 million units and nearly 20% market share, amid modest global growth of 1.0% and economic challenges.

Samsung strengthens its position as the global smartphone leader with a 7.9% rise in shipments, reaching 58 million units in Q2 2025, capturing nearly 20% of the worldwide market share. Despite a challenging economic landscape marked by inflation, tariffs, and currency fluctuations, global smartphone shipments grew marginally by 1.0% year-on-year to 295.2 million units, signaling cautious optimism within the industry.

The Chinese smartphone market, traditionally a critical growth driver, showed signs of slowdown during the quarter. Promotions around the 618 e-commerce festival primarily served to clear existing inventory rather than boost fresh shipments, leading to a 1% decline in Apple’s shipments within China. Nevertheless, Apple maintained a solid global presence with a 1.5% increase in shipments worldwide, totaling 46.4 million units and securing a 15.7% market share.

Also Read: Samsung Q2 2025 Earnings: Key Takeaways for Investors

Other major players exhibited mixed performances: Xiaomi shipped 42.5 million units, holding 14.4% market share; Vivo increased shipments by 4.8% to 27.1 million units; while Transsion experienced a slight decline of 1.7%, shipping 25.1 million units. Smaller vendors faced more significant challenges, with the remainder of the market contracting by 3.1%.

Industry experts note that despite geopolitical tensions, tariff uncertainties, and economic headwinds, the smartphone market has shown resilience, marking its eighth consecutive quarter of growth—a momentum unseen since 2013. The introduction of innovative smartphone models integrating advanced AI capabilities has been instrumental in sustaining consumer interest and driving market expansion, reflecting an adaptive industry focused on technology-driven differentiation amid global economic uncertainty.

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Read the full article here: Navigating Challenges, Samsung Captures a Fifth of the Global Market — For more updates, visit Wittiya – Top Business News, Stock Market Insights & Financial Updates (Wittiya).

South Korean stock market wrapped up the week on a positive note, despite a dip on Friday due to profit-taking. The benchmark KOSPI posted its best weekly gain in a month as easing concerns over US tariffs provided market relief.

South Korea’s stock market ended the week on a stronger note, buoyed by reduced concerns over US tariffs, even as the benchmark KOSPI index slipped on Friday due to profit-taking.

The KOSPI closed down 17.67 points or 0.55% at 3,210.01 on Friday, following weak cues from overnight US markets. However, the index posted a 2.9% weekly gain, its biggest since early July, recovering from a 2.4% decline the previous week.

Analysts observed that the pullback on Friday was largely due to investors securing recent profits, particularly in sectors that saw sharp gains earlier in the week. Despite the daily decline, the overall market sentiment remained positive thanks to improved clarity on US-South Korea trade relations.

The reduction in US tariffs on South Korean imports, from a proposed 25% to an implemented 15%, has eased pressure on policymakers ahead of the country’s upcoming central bank meeting. This clarity has lent stability to the local financial markets and provided breathing room for monetary decisions.

In sectoral performance, Samsung Electronics led the gains among heavyweight stocks with a 1.84% rise, while SK Hynix dropped 2.10%, reflecting mixed performance in the chipmaking space. Battery major LG Energy Solution fell by 2.07%.

Automotive stocks like Hyundai Motor and Kia Corp remained relatively flat, while POSCO Holdings and Samsung BioLogics saw minor losses of 0.67% and 0.68% respectively.

Also Read: Japan’s Stocks Surge on Tariff Relief and Strong Tech Earnings

Foreign investors were net sellers, offloading stocks worth 157.2 billion won, signaling a cautious outlook amid broader market gains. Out of 935 stocks traded, 386 advanced while 488 declined, indicating some consolidation.

In currency markets, the South Korean won weakened slightly, closing at 1,389.6 per USD, down 0.26% from the previous session. The modest depreciation reflects ongoing volatility in global currency flows, particularly as the US dollar continues to strengthen.

Meanwhile, in the bond market, the benchmark 10-year government bond yield edged up 0.8 basis points to 2.775%, while the three-year yield held steady at 2.409%. September futures on three-year treasury bonds slipped by 0.03 point to 107.43, suggesting cautious sentiment in fixed income.

Overall, the easing of trade friction with the US has injected optimism into South Korea’s equity markets, with analysts watching for monetary policy signals later this month. The trajectory of foreign inflows and global macroeconomic developments will remain key drivers in the coming sessions.

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Read the full article here: How Did a Tariff Decision Change the Market Mood in Seoul? — For more updates, visit Wittiya – Top Business News, Stock Market Insights & Financial Updates (Wittiya).

 Samsung Electronics, South Korea, reported a 5.8% quarter-on-quarter revenue decline for Q2 2025, posting KRW 74.6 trillion, with operating profit at KRW 4.7 trillion. While the Device Solutions division saw robust AI-related memory sales, profit was pressured by inventory adjustments and export-related headwinds. The Device eXperience segment also saw weaker profits due to smartphone sales normalization. Despite these challenges, the company remains focused on AI-driven semiconductors, premium displays, and flagship mobile growth in the second half of 2025.

Samsung Electronics of South Korea has announced its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, reporting KRW 74.6 trillion in consolidated revenue — down 5.8% from the previous quarter — and KRW 4.7 trillion in operating profit.

The Device Solutions (DS) Division, which includes the semiconductor business, saw revenue rise to KRW 27.9 trillion, driven by strong demand for high-density memory products like HBM3E and DDR5. However, operating profit was limited to KRW 0.4 trillion due to one-off inventory value adjustments and continued impact from US export restrictions on advanced chips to China.

In response, Samsung is intensifying its AI semiconductor strategy for the second half. The company plans to expand production and sales of HBM, LPDDR5x, DDR5, GDDR7, and SSD solutions to meet growing data center and AI-server demand. Additionally, its Foundry unit will ramp up mass production using the 2nm GAA process for new SoCs, targeting improved factory utilization and margin recovery.

Also Read: Tesla and Samsung Sign $16.5 Billion Semiconductor Deal for Next-Gen AI Chips

The System LSI segment maintained revenue from flagship chip shipments but struggled with profitability due to higher development costs. Looking ahead, Samsung aims to strengthen its Exynos lineup and sensor portfolio to win 2026 mobile design slots.

Meanwhile, the Device eXperience (DX) Division, encompassing mobile and network operations, posted KRW 29.2 trillion in revenue and KRW 3.1 trillion in operating profit. Although smartphone shipments declined sequentially, year-over-year performance improved, supported by strong Galaxy S25, Galaxy A series, and tablet sales. The company will now pivot toward high-end devices including foldables, with plans to integrate enhanced AI capabilities across the Galaxy ecosystem.

The Samsung Display Corporation (SDC) recorded KRW 6.4 trillion in revenue and KRW 0.5 trillion in operating profit, with solid momentum from mobile displays and QD-OLED monitors. In H2, SDC plans to deepen technological differentiation and expand into automotive and IT displays.

Lastly, the Visual Display and Digital Appliances segment generated KRW 14.1 trillion in revenue and KRW 0.2 trillion in operating profit. Samsung will leverage AI-enhanced Neo QLED and OLED TVs to drive sales during the seasonal demand peak, while boosting profitability through its connected services such as SmartThings and Samsung TV Plus.

Despite macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties, Samsung’s diversified strategy — focused on premium offerings and AI innovation — positions it for long-term resilience and growth.

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Read the full article here: Samsung Q2 2025 Earnings: Key Takeaways for Investors — For more updates, visit Wittiya – Top Business News, Stock Market Insights & Financial Updates (Wittiya).

India has surpassed China to become the leading exporter of smartphones to the U.S., driven by a 240% surge in production and a strategic supply chain shift amid geopolitical tensions and tariff uncertainty.

India has officially overtaken China to become the largest exporter of smartphones to the United States, as the South Asian country reported a staggering 240% increase in smartphone manufacturing volume in the second quarter of 2025.

Smartphones assembled in India accounted for 44% of total U.S. imports between April and June 2025, up sharply from 13% during the same period last year. In stark contrast, China’s share of U.S. smartphone imports declined to 25%, falling from 61% a year earlier. Vietnam now ranks second, contributing 30% of the U.S.-bound exports.

This shift marks the first time in history that India has exported more smartphones to the U.S. than China, signaling a major realignment in the global electronics supply chain.

India, Vietnam overtake China in U.S. smartphone manufacturing:

Apple’s Strategic Shift Fuels India’s Surge

The exponential rise in India’s smartphone exports is largely attributed to strategic decisions by Apple to accelerate its manufacturing operations in India. The tech giant is reportedly targeting to assemble nearly a quarter of all iPhones sold globally within India in the next few years.

Apple’s increased focus on India comes amid persistent tariff uncertainty between the U.S. and China. This includes ongoing pressures for domestic manufacturing and concerns about excessive concentration of supply chains in China, which has long been considered the backbone of electronics manufacturing.

While Apple has begun trial production of iPhone 16 Pro models in India, analysts indicate the company still depends heavily on China’s mature infrastructure to meet premium-tier U.S. demand.

Also Read: Apple, Samsung Dominate India’s Smartphone Exports with 94% Share

Trade Dynamics and Tariff Strategy

India’s rapid ascent is occurring against a backdrop of global trade recalibration. In April, U.S. authorities implemented a 26% tariff on Indian imports — significantly lower than the triple-digit duties previously placed on Chinese goods. Although this tariff was paused with an August 1 deadline for review, it highlights the volatile policy environment shaping trade decisions.

While shipments are not indicative of end-user sales, they serve as a strong proxy for demand and market confidence. iPhone shipments to the U.S. fell 11% year-on-year in Q2 to 13.3 million units, reversing the prior quarter’s 25.7% growth. Globally, iPhone shipments declined 2%, totaling 44.8 million units.

Despite the shipment drop, India’s role in the global supply chain has expanded, with last-mile assembly and production ramping up across multiple electronics categories.

Manufacturing Hurdles Remain

While momentum is strong, experts note challenges in yield rates—a key measure of manufacturing efficiency—when producing devices in India and Vietnam, compared to China. This disparity remains a hurdle for companies aiming to scale quickly while maintaining product quality and consistency.

Electronics manufacturers with existing bases in China are now investing in Indian infrastructure, signaling a long-term commitment to diversification. Production trials are already underway, with expectations of full-scale manufacturing in the near term.

Other Global Players Follow Suit

Although Samsung and Motorola have also taken steps to relocate assembly lines for U.S.-bound smartphones to India, their transition has been more gradual and remains limited in scale compared to Apple’s aggressive strategy.

India’s rise as a key manufacturing hub for high-tech goods reflects a broader geopolitical trend: corporations are increasingly seeking risk-hedged supply chains outside China, not only due to tariffs but also to reduce exposure to political and logistical disruptions.

India’s Role in a New Global Order

India’s dramatic leap in smartphone exports illustrates its growing importance in global manufacturing realignment. If the current trajectory continues, India could soon become a central pillar for electronics production not only for U.S. companies but also for the broader global market.

With rising investment in production facilities, infrastructure upgrades, and policy incentives, India is poised to reshape the balance of global trade in electronics, turning from an emerging assembly base into a leading tech manufacturing powerhouse.

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Read the full article here: U.S. Smartphone Supply Chain Flips Overnight—India Takes Lead — For more updates, visit Wittiya – Top Business News, Stock Market Insights & Financial Updates (Wittiya).

India’s smartphone export ambitions face fresh uncertainty as Samsung recalibrates its strategy following its exit from the PLI scheme. With exports down 20% year-on-year, industry observers caution that Apple and Dixon Technologies could be next to reconsider their manufacturing plans, possibly weakening India’s position in the global supply chain.

South Korea-based Samsung has begun recalibrating its smartphone export strategy after concluding its five-year participation in India’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for electronics manufacturing. The move has led to a 20% year-on-year decline in Samsung’s exports for the June quarter of FY26, dropping to approximately USD 950 million from USD 1.17 billion a year ago.

The company’s exit from the PLI program — which incentivizes domestic production to enhance India’s position in global supply chains — may be a harbinger of deeper challenges ahead. Industry observers suggest that Apple and Dixon Technologies, also significant contributors under the PLI scheme, may reevaluate their strategies once their incentive windows close in FY26.

Erosion of Cost Competitiveness

While India’s smartphone exports surged from USD 200 million in FY18 to USD 24.1 billion in FY25, the country’s long-term manufacturing competitiveness remains fragile without subsidies. Even during the PLI regime, India maintained a manufacturing cost disadvantage—about 10% compared to Vietnam and 15% relative to China. The 4–6% incentive only partially bridged this gap.

Now, without those incentives, Samsung and others may reconsider the scalability of Indian operations. The company has already reportedly requested additional incentives for FY26 to compensate for FY22 shortfalls due to pandemic-related disruptions.

Also Read: Samsung’s Foundry and HBM Setbacks Hit Q2 Earnings Hard

Shift in Strategy Could Impact Apple, Dixon

Samsung’s current recalibration may influence the strategies of Apple, which currently leads India’s smartphone exports, and Dixon, a key contract manufacturer. The companies had received one-year PLI extensions due to delays in facility readiness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their participation remains active until March 2026.

If both follow Samsung’s path post-PLI, the cumulative impact could derail India’s aspirations of becoming a preferred smartphone export hub. Industry stakeholders highlight that these three players have been central to the PLI program’s success story.

PLI Extension and New Incentives Await Clarity

India has launched a USD 2.75 billion component-focused PLI scheme to deepen value addition and domestic ecosystem development. However, analysts caution that unless major participants continue to invest, the new initiative may also face implementation hurdles.

Samsung was notably the only PLI participant to meet export and investment thresholds in the first year (FY21). Its exit has now raised concerns that even globally established manufacturers may find India’s ecosystem unsustainable without consistent policy support.

As global trade dynamics continue to shift under the “China+1” strategy, India’s retention of major electronics manufacturers will depend on both strategic incentives and timely execution of policy frameworks that support long-term competitiveness.

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Read the full article here: Samsung Pulls Out of PLI, Raising Alarms for India’s USD 24 Billion Tech Export Drive — For more updates, visit Wittiya – Top Business News, Stock Market Insights & Financial Updates (Wittiya).

South Korea-based Samsung Electronics reported that its Q2 2025 operating profit is expected to decline by 56% year-over-year due to challenges in its chip and foundry segments, delayed AI chip certification, and subdued demand. Despite ongoing efforts to supply HBM chips for AI processors, delays with Nvidia’s qualification continue to weigh heavily on performance.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a global leader in memory chips and smartphones headquartered in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, has announced a significant decline in its Q2 2025 operating profit. The company expects to post an operating profit of approximately 4.6 trillion won (USD 3.36 billion), a 56% decrease compared to the 10.44 trillion won reported in Q2 2024.

This projection falls well short of LSEG SmartEstimate’s forecast of 6.26 trillion won (USD 4.57 billion). Revenue for the quarter is expected to hit 74 trillion won, also below LSEG’s estimate of 75.55 trillion won.

In a regulatory filing, Samsung Electronics, which is one of the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturers, attributed the decline to ongoing inventory value adjustments and the impact of U.S. restrictions on the export of advanced AI chips to China. The company also faces increasing competition in the high-bandwidth memory (HBM) segment—critical for AI processing—from rivals SK Hynix and Micron.

Samsung has been working to get the latest version of its HBM chips certified by AI chip leader Nvidia, which currently dominates approximately 70% of global HBM demand. However, recent reports suggest the certification may not be completed until at least September, limiting Samsung’s short-term growth potential in the AI space.

Although Samsung has reportedly secured HBM supply deals with AMD, the timing of production ramps means those contributions are unlikely to reflect in Q2 results.

Further compounding its challenges, the company’s chip foundry business continues to experience sluggish order volumes and heightened competition from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC).

In September last year, Reuters reported that Samsung directed its global subsidiaries to reduce staff in certain divisions by 30%, signaling deeper restructuring efforts.

Despite current pressures, Samsung Electronics’ stock has climbed over 16% year-to-date, according to LSEG data. The company plans to release its detailed Q2 financial results later this month.

Read the full article here: Samsung’s Foundry and HBM Setbacks Hit Q2 Earnings Hard — For more updates, visit Wittiya – Top Business News, Stock Market Insights & Financial Updates (Wittiya).

Carrier Airconditioning & Refrigeration Ltd, the Indian arm of U.S.-based air conditioning giant Carrier, has filed a legal petition against the Indian government’s updated electronic waste (e-waste) recycling rules. The company argues that the increased fees mandated by the new regulations place an undue financial burden on manufacturers. Similar lawsuits have been filed by Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Daikin, and Voltas, with the Delhi High Court scheduled to hear the cases on July 9.

Carrier Airconditioning & Refrigeration Ltd, the Indian subsidiary of U.S.-based Carrier Global Corporation, filed a lawsuit in the Delhi High Court challenging India’s revised electronic waste (e-waste) recycling regulations. The case adds to a series of legal actions by major global manufacturers protesting the financial burden caused by new minimum fee mandates for recycling electronic products.

The Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, introduced revised rules in September 2024 that impose a minimum payment of ₹22 per kilogram for recycling consumer electronics. According to Carrier’s 380-page court filing, reviewed by Reuters, this price is three to four times higher than the previously negotiated rates between manufacturers and recyclers. Carrier argues that the rules violate commercial autonomy and unfairly shift the financial burden onto producers.

Carrier, which reported sales of $248 million in India in 2024, stated in its submission that “recyclers were willing to continue their work at the older prices,” and the government should not interfere in private business arrangements. The company added that the mandate would impose a “huge financial burden” and termed the rule “arbitrary and unfair.”

Carrier is not alone. Other industry giants including South Korea’s Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Japan’s Daikin, and Indian conglomerate Tata’s Voltas have also filed suits demanding that the rule be struck down. The Delhi High Court will hear these petitions on July 9, 2025.

India, the world’s third-largest generator of electronic waste after China and the U.S., recycled only 43% of its e-waste last year, according to government data. The Ministry of Environment has defended the rule in previous court hearings, stating that it was a “reasonable intervention” aimed at ensuring better waste management practices. However, it has yet to issue a statement in response to the latest round of legal challenges.

The dispute highlights the tension between environmental policy and industrial costs. While government authorities emphasize sustainable practices, manufacturers warn that sudden cost escalations may undermine profitability and operations.

Carrier, which has operated in India since installing the country’s first air conditioning system in Jaipur in 1936, remains a key player in the Indian cooling and refrigeration sector.

As the legal process unfolds, the outcome of this case could significantly shape the future of India’s e-waste management framework and its relationship with international manufacturers.

Read the full article here: Carrier, Samsung, LG Sue India Over ‘Unfair’ E-Waste Fees — For more updates, visit Wittiya – Top Business News, Stock Market Insights & Financial Updates (Wittiya).

Apple and Samsung dominated India’s smartphone exports in 2024, accounting for 94% of total shipments as local manufacturing expanded. Tata Electronics emerged as the fastest-growing manufacturer with 107% YoY growth, driven by iPhone 15 and 16 production. Counterpoint Research predicts continued double-digit growth in India’s smartphone manufacturing sector in 2025.

Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics led India’s smartphone exports in 2024, accounting for 94% of shipments as local manufacturing continued its upward trajectory, according to a report by Counterpoint Research. The country’s Made in India smartphone shipments saw a 6% year-on-year (YoY) increase, fueled by these global giants ramping up domestic production.

Tata Electronics, a key player in India’s electronics sector, emerged as the fastest-growing manufacturer, recording a staggering 107% YoY growth in 2024. The company’s expansion in iPhone assembly, particularly with the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16, contributed significantly to its rapid rise. Additionally, Tata Electronics ventured into semiconductor fabrication with a new plant in Dholera, Gujarat, marking a strategic step in India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem.

Dixon Technologies also strengthened its presence in India’s mobile handset sector, becoming the top manufacturer in the overall segment, which includes both smartphones and feature phones. Dixon’s smartphone shipments grew 39% YoY, backed by strong partnerships with Transsion brands, Motorola, and realme.

According to Prachir Singh, a senior research analyst at Counterpoint, India’s smartphone manufacturing industry is expected to maintain double-digit growth in 2025, driven by increasing local value addition and government initiatives promoting domestic production. “Global smartphone manufacturers are diversifying production to minimize supply chain risks, and India’s vast market, cost-effective labor, and government incentives make it an attractive destination,” Singh noted.

Samsung maintained its strong position in India’s electronics manufacturing with a 7% YoY growth in exports. Meanwhile, China’s Vivo secured the second spot in India’s smartphone shipments, growing 14% YoY and capturing a 14% market share, attributed to its expansion in offline retail and distribution network strengthening.

Foxconn Hon Hai, Apple’s key contract manufacturer, saw a 19% YoY increase in manufacturing volumes in 2024. The company is also set to establish a smartphone display module assembly to further enhance India’s local production capabilities.

On the other hand, Oppo saw its shipments decline by 34% YoY, pushing it to fourth place among smartphone manufacturers due to stiff competition and the rising influence of contract manufacturers like DBG. DBG itself experienced double-digit growth in 2024, largely driven by partnerships with Xiaomi and Realme.

With India’s smartphone manufacturing industry poised for continued expansion in 2025, experts anticipate further investments in local production and supply chain improvements. As Apple, Samsung, and Tata Electronics continue scaling their operations, India is solidifying its position as a major global manufacturing hub in the smartphone sector.

Read the full article here: Apple, Samsung Dominate India’s Smartphone Exports with 94% Share — For more updates, visit Wittiya – Top Business News, Stock Market Insights & Financial Updates (Wittiya).