[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] As major smartphone manufacturers such as Samsung Electronics and Apple weigh potential price hikes in the U.S. due to mounting tariff pressures, camera and PC companies have already moved ahead with price increases in the market. Industry watchers are now concerned that this pricing trend may spread globally.



According to industry sources on June 8, market research firm Counterpoint Research recently revised downward its shipment forecasts for Samsung and Apple smartphones this year, citing uncertainties surrounding U.S. tariffs. iPhone shipment growth was lowered from 4% to 2.5%, while Samsung's expected growth was adjusted from a 1.7% increase to flat growth.



In April, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced a “reciprocal tariff” policy on goods imported from various countries. Although smartphones and some electronics were initially exempt, he has since indicated that all smartphones manufactured overseas and imported into the U.S.—including iPhones—could be subject to tariffs of at least 25%.



“Apple and Samsung are heavily exposed to the U.S. market, so tariffs have partially influenced the downward revision in their growth forecasts,” said Liz Lee, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research. “We’re also seeing weakened demand in North America, as well as in parts of Europe and Asia,” she added. A Korean industry insider echoed this sentiment, stating, “If tariffs are imposed on smartphones, price hikes will be inevitable.”



Concerns over rising prices for IT devices due to tariffs are already becoming reality. Nikon recently announced that it would raise prices on camera-related products in the U.S., effective June 23. “Due to recent tariff changes, we must adjust prices accordingly,” the company stated. Nikon also warned that operating profit could drop by approximately $68 million (around KRW 92 billion) due to the tariffs.



Other camera manufacturers, including Leica and Blackmagic Design, have similarly decided to raise U.S. prices. PC maker Acer and drone company DJI have also announced U.S. price hikes in recent weeks. While these changes currently apply only to products sold in the U.S., the trend could expand globally. Companies are concerned that higher prices may dampen consumer demand, ultimately impacting their financial performance.

 

 

 

 

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