从“烧手机”到“利润暴跌”：三星电子遭遇56年来最严峻危机

Core Viewpoint - Samsung Group is facing one of its most severe challenges since its establishment, with a significant decline in semiconductor profits and a shrinking presence in the Chinese smartphone market, raising concerns about its future viability [2][5][18]. Group 1: Financial Performance - In Q2 2025, Samsung Electronics reported a 55% year-on-year drop in operating profit, with semiconductor business profits plummeting by 94% due to HBM chip shipment delays and U.S. export restrictions to China [2][6]. - The semiconductor division's operating profit fell to 400 billion KRW (approximately 290 million USD), marking a six-quarter low and highlighting a significant decline in profitability [6]. - Samsung's financial struggles are compounded by its lag in the lucrative AI chip market, where competitors like SK Hynix and TSMC are gaining ground [6][16]. Group 2: Market Presence in China - Samsung's market share in China's smartphone sector has drastically declined to 0.77% by Q1 2025, falling out of the top five brands, while local brands like Huawei and Xiaomi dominate with over 68% combined market share [11][19]. - The company's downfall in China can be traced back to the Galaxy Note7 crisis in 2016, which severely damaged consumer trust and allowed local competitors to capture market share [10][11]. - Samsung's decision to close its Chinese factories and shift production to Vietnam has led to increased costs and inefficiencies, further exacerbating its competitive disadvantage [12]. Group 3: Strategic Responses - In response to its challenges, Samsung's new leader, Lee Jae-Yong, is attempting to revive the company's fortunes through aggressive transformation strategies, including a $16.5 billion AI chip supply agreement with Tesla [16][19]. - Lee is also focusing on advanced 2nm process technology to compete with TSMC, indicating a shift towards innovation and adaptation in a rapidly changing market [16][18]. - Despite these efforts, Samsung faces significant hurdles, including geopolitical tensions and the need to restructure its complex conglomerate framework to foster innovation [18][19].