Samsung profits surge as buyers stockpile chips ahead of Trump tariffs

Samsung Electronics has posted stronger-than-expected quarterly profits as customers rushed to secure chips and smartphones ahead of impending US tariffs and export restrictions, according to a report by The Financial Times on Tuesday.

The South Korean tech giant projected an operating profit of 6.6 trillion South Korean won or KRW ($4.5 billion) for the first quarter of 2025, surpassing analysts’ expectations of 5.2 trillion KRW, the report said. Sales are estimated to have increased by 10 per cent year-on-year. The company’s stock rose 2.1 per cent in early trading, though it lagged behind local competitor SK Hynix, which saw its shares climb nearly 4 per cent.