Samsung Electronics, the world’s largest smartphone manufacturer, is preparing to redirect a portion of its US-bound smartphone production from Vietnam to India if Washington lowers import tariffs on electronics from India. The move would position India as a key export base, similar to Apple’s strategy in recent years.
Won-Joon Choi, Samsung’s Global President and COO of the Mobile Experience division, shared this development during the global launch of the Galaxy Fold7 and Flip7—premium models priced above $2,000 and $1,300 respectively. Choi confirmed that Samsung already produces some of the smartphones destined for the US at its Greater Noida factory in India.
Choi explained that Samsung operates multiple manufacturing facilities worldwide and has been actively preparing for shifting trade dynamics in light of uncertainties in US tariff policy, particularly under President Donald Trump’s renewed focus on imposing duties. “We’ve set up flexible systems to adapt quickly, including certified factories ready to meet demand shifts,” he added.
While Vietnam currently serves as Samsung’s major export hub, especially for the US, the Greater Noida facility has primarily catered to India’s domestic demand and select exports. With India pushing for tariff reductions on electronics shipped to the US—including smartphones from Samsung and Apple—Samsung appears ready to realign its supply chain to favor Indian manufacturing.
Vietnam, the US’s largest electronics export partner in Southeast Asia, might receive a 20% tariff rate. Meanwhile, India has been lobbying for more favorable terms. A shift in tariff structure could tip the balance in India’s favor, prompting a reallocation of Samsung’s global supply routes.
Beyond trade considerations, Choi highlighted Samsung’s broader strategy of diversifying its global manufacturing base to ensure stability and competitive pricing. This includes countering risks related to China’s restrictions on rare earth metals, which are critical for electronics. “We’ve long invested in securing alternate suppliers across different countries, and there have been no production disruptions so far,” he said.
Samsung’s contingency planning reflects its readiness to handle geopolitical volatility, ensuring supply chain resilience while potentially elevating India as a major global smartphone export hub.
