Galaxy smartphones are likely to become much more expensive very soon. A tax on imported products directly threatens the Korean brand. Future models like the Galaxy S26 could become prohibitively expensive.
Tensions are rising between the United States and the European Union. Donald Trump announced his intention to impose 50% tariffs on European products starting June 1, 2025, which were ultimately pushed back to July 9. This president accuses Brussels of blocking negotiations and denounces unfair trade practices. In response, Europe is preparing to retaliate, raising fears of a full-blown economic war. This standoff is already worrying the markets and could have direct consequences on our purchasing power, particularly in the technology sector.
In this tense climate, another measure directly targets imported smartphones. According to the Korean media FnNews, Donald Trump is proposing a 25% tax on all phones assembled outside the United States. Samsung is particularly exposed: the Korean brand does not have any smartphone production plants on American soil. All of its devices, including future Galaxy devices, would therefore be affected. This would automatically lead to a price increase across the entire North American market.
The Galaxy S26, Z Fold 7, and Z Flip 7 could cost up to 40% more in the United States as early as this fall
Analysts estimate that this tax could cause a 30 to 40% increase in sales prices. In concrete terms, a Galaxy sold for $1,000 could reach $1,400. Next-generation models, such as the upcoming Galaxy S26, Z Fold 7, and Z Flip 7, would be the first affected. Manufacturers often pass these additional costs on to users to maintain their margins. This increase would add to already existing inflation.
Samsung finds itself in a delicate situation. Its market share in the United States has fallen from 31% to 18% in one year. A price surge would only exacerbate this decline, especially in the face of Apple, which manufactures some of its models locally. American users may postpone their purchase or switch brands. Models sold in the European Union will not pass through the US market, and no similar tariffs are currently planned for this segment. But a domino effect cannot be ruled out: if supply chains are disrupted, certain logistics or manufacturing costs could end up affecting prices in Europe as well.
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