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Amid rising geopolitical awareness, smartphone brands have gradually diversified production to countries like India and Vietnam in recent years; however, China remains the primary manufacturing hub in the short term, with no plans for U.S.-based facilities at present. In light of the recent series of U.S. tariff negotiations, any expansion of tariffs to include smartphone manufacturing origins would inevitably impact all brands. In the memory segment, LPDDR4X prices are expected to see another significant increase, while the supply-demand balance for NAND Flash remains relatively stable.
Benefiting from a low base effect, as well as simultaneous increases in shipment volume and pricing, the 2Q25 Mobile DRAM market delivered an outstanding revenue performance. In terms of market share, Samsung maintained its leadership position, while SK hynix, driven by significant shipment growth, reclaimed the second spot globally. Looking ahead, with seasonal demand and upward price momentum continuing to strengthen, the market’s revenue outlook remains optimistic.
In 2Q25, global smartphone production reached approximately 300 million units, up 4% quarter-over-quarter and 4.8% year-over-year. In terms of market share, Samsung maintained its leading position, benefiting from stable demand for its A series and proactive inventory buildup in response to U.S. tariffs, achieving improved production compared to the previous year. Apple ranked second globally; while facing challenges in China due to Huawei’s resurgence and setbacks in AI-related topics, it managed to sustain first-half sales in China at last year’s level through price reductions and subsidy strategies. Xiaomi maintained steady growth and ranked third worldwide, relying on expansion into emerging markets and benefiting from favorable policies in China.
In the mobile DRAM market, price disparities among different applications remain significant. Due to greater-than-expected increases in 3Q25 contract prices, pricing negotiations in the PC and smartphone sectors have progressed slowly, while prices for consumer products are being updated frequently. The volatility in mobile DRAM prices is increasing end-product costs and may dampen future sales momentum.
In 2025, the electronics industry sees diverging trends: strong AI demand, weak consumer devices, early pull-in erases seasonality, and future growth slows.
Driven by both reduced supply and intensified price competition among suppliers, contract prices for LPDDR4X in 3Q25 have seen further significant increases. LPDDR5X prices have also risen, supported by market sentiment, though the magnitude of the increase has been comparatively moderate. However, such sharp price fluctuations have added to cost pressures, with the low-end smartphone market bearing the brunt of the impact. The upward trend in prices is expected to persist in the short term.
Contract price rises are slowing, and spot market gains are limited. Suppliers are reducing LPDDR4X supply while mid-range smartphone demand remains strong, leading to panic buying. Although some production cuts may slow, the market trend is towards new-generation products.
US tariff hikes add industry uncertainty, making contract talks cautious. NAND Flash spot prices pressured by weak demand and competition; smartphone market prices are hard to increase. Unless sudden demand surges or major supply cuts occur, prices are unlikely to rise.
LPDDR4X supply has tightened rapidly due to reduced production and EOL plans by major suppliers, driving prices sharply higher. Under dual pressure from supply constraints and price surges, smartphone brands are accelerating the shift to LPDDR5X, though entry- and mid-tier models face challenges converting due to processor limitations.
Due to various political and economic factors that are causing market uncertainty, TrendForce has made a downward revision in the 2025 annual global smartphone production projection...
Global market intelligence firm TrendForce reports that the performance of the global smartphone market was stable during 1Q25...
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