This week, Samsung is boldly revealing some of its most notable folding phones. They are thinner, lighter, more intelligent and, yes, more expensive. In the United States, at least, that trend can continue more dramatic if President Trump advances with his 25% tariff on the goods produced in South Korea.
You may not realize that despite its ubiquity in the United States, Samsung is located and operated outside South Korea. Like many global technology companies, it manufactures products at its base of operations, as well as in Vietnam, India and Taiwan. In the United States, President Donald Trump is trying to drag manufacturing to the coast of the United States and do so mainly through the coercion of rates, which are basically taxes applied to all goods sent to the United States. It is a cost that eventually worries the consumer.
Although it does not directly add the price of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and other Samsung mobile devices, Samsung Executive Vice President of Mobile Experience Dave Das said, during a breakfast panel unpacked by Samsung this week in response to a question about the impact of tariffs, “I will say that the chips have not fallen completely where they can.”
He joked: “The situation is so fluid, so quickly changing that I feel that I have to check my phone right now to make sure that what I am saying is still applicable.”
Samsung, according to DAS, could be in a better position, at least as refers to mobile products, to resist these global commercial circumstances that change rapidly. “I think that one of Samsung’s greatest strengths is how agile and flexible we are,” said Das, referring to Samsung’s skills in manufacturing and supply chain management.
His team is playing several scenarios, but they also keep the communication lines open. “We are working closely with this administration to ensure that, regardless of what, Samsung can deliver the best products, the best experiences, the best services for US consumers at an attractive price and a competitive price.”
DAS did not speak specifically about any product or reference to the increase in prices of $ 100 in the last Z FOLD model, although it is fair to assume that this adjustment is less about tariff concerns and more about more expensive components (the new 200MP sensor) and manufacturing (4.2 mm thickness).
A dynamic situation
The flexibility in the rapid tariff image is key, said DAS, and added that the team wants to manage and “work with the administration, again, to ensure that we maintain the course and focus and we are offering excellent products.”
It is a solid and rational response to what some irrational forces can be. Follow up where the United States administration is applying rates and how much it is almost impossible because it has changed if not per hour, then certainly.
While I write this, tariffs on South Korea could match 25%. When you read it, it could be lower or higher. However, what will most care about consumers is what they will pay for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, 7 Flip Fe, Z Fold 7 and all those wonderful Galaxy S25 phones.
