SEOUL, Aug 7: Samsung Electronics saw a sharp rise in share value on Thursday morning after reports emerged that it will manufacture Apple’s next-generation chips at its US-based foundry, a move that could position the South Korean tech leader for key gains amid changing US trade policies.
By 9:15 AM local time, Samsung shares were trading at 70,000 won (around USD 50.45), up 1.74 percent from the previous session, reclaiming its status in the symbolic “70,000 club.” The stock closed even higher at 70,500 won by the end of the trading day — a 2.47 percent gain overall.
The surge in investor optimism followed a report by Pulse Korea stating that Apple is strengthening its partnership with Samsung and other suppliers as part of a broader expansion of its investments in the United States. Samsung’s US-based semiconductor operations could directly benefit from proposed US tariff changes.
During an Apple investment announcement event at the White House on Thursday (Korea time), former President Donald Trump reiterated plans to introduce a 100 percent tariff on certain imported chip products. However, chips manufactured on US soil — including those produced by Samsung’s US foundry — would be exempt from these tariffs.
This could make Samsung a strategic winner, especially if US-China tech tensions escalate. Analysts say the move strengthens Samsung’s foothold in the US semiconductor supply chain at a time when companies are under pressure to localize critical tech manufacturing.
Eco Stocks Rally on Korean Plastic Policy Push
Meanwhile, shares of Korean eco-friendly plastic and packaging companies also rallied early Thursday following reports that the government is prioritizing plastic reduction as a national policy.
Samryoong’s shares rose 8.44 percent to 9,510 won by 9:18 AM, while Serim B&G and EcoPlastic gained 4.75 percent and 1.36 percent respectively. However, gains did not hold through the day: Samryoong ended flat at 8,770 won, Serim B&G slipped 0.16 percent, and EcoPlastic dropped 1.36 percent.
According to local media, the Ministry of Environment recently submitted a comprehensive plastic reduction roadmap to the Presidential Planning Committee. Environment Minister Kim Sung-hwan had earlier pledged to finalize the roadmap by year-end, vowing to shift Korea away from one-way consumption toward a circular economy.