[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun & Lee Joon Hyun] Samsung Electronics’ Device Solutions (DS) division is set to introduce a post-delivery pricing settlement system, replacing its long-standing practice of negotiating prices before shipment—a first for the global semiconductor industry.

According to AlphaBiz on February 4, Samsung Electronics has decided to abandon pre-shipment price negotiations with customers and instead settle payments after delivery, based on market prices at the time shipments are completed.

A source familiar with the matter said the decision comes as semiconductor prices continue to rise sharply on a near-daily basis. “Samsung opted for a post-payment system that reflects prices at the time of delivery,” the source said, adding that the move was based on principles of coexistence with customers rather than maximizing Samsung’s short-term profits.

Global semiconductor prices have surged amid explosive demand driven by artificial intelligence. Prices for DRAM products, including high-bandwidth memory (HBM), have reportedly jumped by as much as 70% compared with previous levels.

Against this backdrop, Samsung Electronics chose to apply prevailing market prices at the time of delivery completion, rather than locking in prices in advance.

Industry experts have welcomed the move. Yoon Yong-pil, a visiting professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, said the decision effectively signals that Samsung will not raise prices ahead of competitors during periods of rapid price escalation. He added that the company appears to be prioritizing ecosystem stability over profit maximization.

Yoon Ju-ho, CEO of Umbrella Research, described the move as a bold departure from past management practices. He said the decision reflects leadership focused on long-term responsibility as an industry first mover, rather than short-term performance or executive tenure.

The shift is also being interpreted in the context of the return of Jun Young-hyun, who rejoined Samsung Electronics in 2024 amid challenges stemming from delays in HBM development during the AI-driven semiconductor boom.

Samsung Electronics declined to comment, saying it could not confirm any matters related to specific customer arrangements.

 

 

 

 

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