Samsung smartphone growth forecast lowered for 2025 due to global challenges

2025 is shaping up to be a tough year for smartphone makers. US tariffs have introduced a lot of uncertainty in the market, with a significant potential for disruption in supply chains that could ultimately result in much higher prices for consumers.

Samsung isn't immune to this, and with an industry firm now lowering its forecast for global smartphone shipments, it also predicts lower smartphone growth for the Korean giant.

Counterpoint Research had previously forecasted global smartphone shipments to grow 4.2% year-over-year in 2025. It has now revised that down to just 1.9%. While it sees smartphone growth in most regions, the firm expects shipment declines in the lucrative markets of North America and China.

It has also lowered projections for both Apple and Samsung. The companies are expected to pass on cost increases as a result of the tariffs to customers, which would dent demand for some of their premium models. The firm doesn't forecast Samsung appearing the list of top five global smartphone brands in terms of year-over-year growth in shipment numbers.

Samsung and Apple's vast exposure to the US market will prove to be a challenge if tariffs are implemented at the rates announced before the pause. Both companies will have to shift their production bases to negate some of the impact, but the inevitability of price hikes for consumers may dent their sales.

The fact that President Trump has raised the possibility of direct 25% tariffs on companies like Apple and Samsung that make their phones sold in the US outside the country unless they bring manufacturing on-shore, only contributes to the significantly challenging business environment.