Samsung Hub Vietnam Phone Exports See Sharp Drop to US Market

Trade data emerging from Vietnam, a major global manufacturing hub for smartphones, shows a distinct slowdown in exports to the U.S. Shipments of phones and parts hit their lowest levels since May 2020 in November, marking the fourth consecutive monthly decline.

US phone imports from Vietnam hit five-year low amid slowing demand

This dip is notable because Samsung Electronics heavily influences Vietnam’s smartphone export figures. The South Korean tech giant maintains massive manufacturing operations in the country. More specifically, they account for the overwhelming majority of their phone exports and output. A Vietnam-based executive familiar with Samsung’s operations has indicated that the company is actively adjusting production and export volumes in response to cooling demand from consumers.

The primary factors driving the decline appear to be a mixture of trade uncertainties and weakening global consumer sentiment.

Drop tied to Samsung’s adjustments

Official Vietnamese data shows that smartphone shipments began to fall sharply starting in August. This occurred even though smartphones themselves are exempt from specific U.S. tariffs. Trade uncertainty, however, still played a part in the overall export environment. This recent decline stands in contrast to the first half of the year, which saw strong, “roaring” exports that offset the recent drop. Overall, exports remained flat for the first 11 months of 2025 compared to the previous year.

The November figures are striking: phone exports to the U.S. dipped below $410 million, a multi-year low. This decline in smartphone exports was enough to significantly push down Vietnam’s total export value for the month, as reported by Reuters.

Samsung declined to comment directly on the Vietnamese trade numbers. However, the company’s adjustment of production reflects a cautious outlook. The slowing export volumes reflect a current challenge for the mobile device industry: it must navigate economic headwinds while adapting to the impact on consumers’ purchasing habits.