Strategic Move to Mitigate Tariff Risks: Shifting Production from Vietnam to India
In response to escalating trade tensions and the possibility of US tariffs on Vietnamese exports, Samsung Electronics is considering relocating some of its smartphone and electronics manufacturing operations from Vietnam to India. Sources suggest that the South Korean technology giant is in talks with various Indian electronics manufacturing services (EMS) players, including Bhagwati (Micromax) and Dixon Technologies, to explore this shift.
Vietnam has long served as Samsung’s primary hub for manufacturing smartphones, but the looming tariff risks in the wake of US-China trade tensions have prompted Samsung to reevaluate its production strategies. With trade concerns escalating, Samsung is eyeing India as an attractive alternative for its global operations, particularly as a base for products destined for the US market.
Highlights:
Samsung exploring a shift of smartphone production to India to mitigate tariff risks.
Talks with Indian EMS players, including Bhagwati (Micromax) and Dixon Technologies.
Vietnam’s role as Samsung’s main hub is under review due to escalating trade tensions.
Vietnam’s Role in Samsung’s Global Smartphone Production
According to Counterpoint Research, 60% of Samsung’s 220 million smartphones sold globally each year are produced in Vietnam, which also serves as the main supplier for the US market, Samsung’s second-largest market. The reliance on Vietnam has become increasingly problematic as tariffs on exports to the US have escalated, with former US President Donald Trump imposing a 46% tariff on Vietnamese goods.
Despite these challenges, Samsung’s existing production facilities in Uttar Pradesh and Chennai, India, could play a central role in this potential transition. The company has already diversified its local manufacturing operations by partnering with Indian contract manufacturers such as Dixon Technologies, which is involved in producing certain smartphone models under Samsung’s brand.
Highlights:
Around 60% of Samsung’s global smartphone output comes from Vietnam.
Tariffs on Vietnam exports have escalated, influencing Samsung’s production strategy.
India’s Uttar Pradesh and Chennai facilities are under consideration for ramped-up production.
Samsung’s Outsourcing to Indian ODMs: The Role of Huaqin, Dixon, and Micromax
Samsung’s existing contract with original design manufacturers (ODMs) such as Huaqin (which designs smartphones for Samsung globally) has resulted in Samsung outsourcing production to Indian partners like Dixon Technologies and Bhagwati Products (Micromax). Huaqin, in particular, has made inroads into India, including a joint venture with Bhagwati, which produces entry-level models for other brands like Vivo and Oppo.
Longcheer, another prominent ODM, has partnered with Dixon Technologies to manufacture phones under its own brand, including devices for Samsung. Sources confirm that Huaqin-Bhagwati’s joint venture is currently in discussions with Samsung to secure additional business, including the production of Samsung smartphones.
Highlights:
Huaqin, Longcheer, and Dixon Technologies play key roles in Samsung’s outsourcing strategy.
Huaqin-Bhagwati JV in talks with Samsung to expand smartphone production.
Indian ODMs increasingly central to Samsung’s local production capabilities.
India’s Growing Appeal as a Manufacturing Hub
Research director Tarun Pathak at Counterpoint Research highlighted the growing appeal of India as a manufacturing hub for tech giants like Samsung. India’s improving manufacturing ecosystem, backed by substantial investments, better infrastructure, and favorable government policies, is attracting increasing interest from global electronics manufacturers.
Samsung, which has participated in India’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the past five years, has already benefited from Rs 1,000 crore in incentives, having met its fifth-year target of Rs 25,000 crore in incremental smartphone manufacturing. The US government’s stance on trade agreements further boosts India’s attractiveness, particularly as it seeks to establish itself as a key manufacturing base for US-bound devices.
Highlights:
India’s manufacturing ecosystem is improving with government support and investments.
Samsung eligible for over Rs 1,000 crore in PLI incentives under the scheme.
US trade policies and agreements with India bolster manufacturing prospects.
The Global Electronics Landscape and Future Prospects
Samsung’s exploration of India as a new production base reflects broader industry trends, with other global tech giants also considering India for smartphone assembly and electronics manufacturing. Similarly, Alphabet (Google) has reportedly initiated discussions with Dixon Technologies and Foxconn to shift some of its Pixel smartphone production to India, particularly for the US market.
As India looks to solidify its position in global electronics manufacturing, the continued efforts by both the Indian government and companies like Samsung signal a major shift towards greater self-reliance in technology production, with the potential to reduce reliance on foreign manufacturing hubs such as China and Vietnam.
Highlights:
Google-parent Alphabet also considering India for Pixel smartphone production.
India’s push towards self-reliance in electronics manufacturing aligns with global trends.
Indian government policies and trade agreements play a key role in this shift.
