Samsung Electronics has delayed the release of its 2027 smartphone business plan, creating uncertainty for upstream suppliers. The company also reduced its production forecast for smartphones for the fourth quarter of 2026.
The delay stems from rising costs of memory and E-Glass, a key material for copper-clad laminates used in printed circuit boards. Samsung must now balance sales volume for mid-to-low-end models against overall profitability.
Supply chain issues are exacerbated by Nittobo, a primary E-Glass supplier. The manufacturer is shifting production capacity toward T-Glass, which is used for AI semiconductors and offers higher profit margins, leading to tighter E-Glass supply and increased costs.
