Report Finds Smartphone Sales Growth Dampened as Tariffs Threaten Price Hikes

President Donald Trump’s tariffs are causing a lot of concern and uncertainty about rising prices and new data suggests that global smartphone sales will suffer for it this year.

On Wednesday, market research firm Counterpoint released a report slashing its previous estimates for global smartphone shipments in 2025, from a 4.2% year-on-year increase down to 1.9%. While tariffs are not the only factor cited in the report, the firm primarily attributed this change to the “renewed uncertainties surrounding U.S. tariffs.”

Driving this decline in growth are dwindling outlooks for the two biggest global smartphone providers. Counterpoint cut its forecasted growth in sales for Apple from 4% to 2.5%. Tariffs or no, the company is still expected to debut a higher price later this year with the launch of its iPhone 17 line. Samsung, meanwhile, is now predicted to see sales remain stagnant, down from the previously forecast 1.7% growth.

Trump announced a barrage of tariffs in early April, causing widespread market turmoil and fear over price inflation, especially for popular tech products like smartphones. In response to those worries, the Trump administration later issued an exemption for smartphones and various other electronics, although it’s unknown if that will stick long term. 

As Counterpoint noted in its report, sales for smartphones are still expected to decline this year owing to overall decreases in consumer spending caused by tariff uncertainties. 

Representatives for Apple and Samsung did not immediately respond to requests for comment.