Samsung Electronics plans to increase DRAM and NAND Flash memory prices by 3-5% in response to potential new US semiconductor tariffs, according to reports from South Korean media. The global tech giant is currently negotiating these price adjustments with major clients, with some customers already beginning contract discussions based on the anticipated increases.

On April 2, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced a new round of tariffs, imposing rates as high as 46% on products from Vietnam, 34% on those from China, 32% on Indonesia, and 26% on goods from India—key regions where many South Korean companies have production hubs. This escalation threatens to disrupt the complex global supply chains of these firms. However, for businesses like Hanwha Solutions and OCI, which run solar energy plants in the US, the changing geopolitical landscape could strengthen their competitive position.

The ongoing US tariff offensive has dealt a heavy blow to Taiwan’s already fragile machinery industry, with the machine tool sector in particular clouded by mounting concerns. Already reeling from export bans to Russia, Taiwanese machine tool makers now face intensified competition from Japan and South Korea, both benefiting from favorable exchange rates and trade agreements.