Samsung Electronics is facing scrutiny after reports of widespread layoffs across its global operations, including India, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the United States.
The company is reportedly cutting thousands of jobs, with up to 200 positions eliminated in India alone, sparking concerns that the layoffs are part of a larger restructuring effort aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs.
While Samsung has not issued a formal statement confirming the full scope of the layoffs, multiple sources—including industry insiders and media reports—suggest that the job cuts span departments such as sales, marketing, operations, mobile phones, consumer electronics, and home appliances.
The move comes amid declining sales, rising competition, and internal challenges across several markets.
India for Samsung: A Key Market Under Pressure
In India, Samsung is reportedly laying off 9–10% of its managerial workforce, affecting around 200 executives.
The layoffs coincide with a period of sluggish business growth, falling consumer demand, and loss of market share in the smartphone segment.
According to market research firms IDC and Canalys, Samsung’s smartphone shipments in India dropped by 15.4% in the April–June 2024 quarter, pushing its market share down to 12.9%, its lowest in a decade.
The company is also grappling with labor unrest at its Chennai factory, where workers have gone on strike, disrupting production of televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines.
Production levels have reportedly dropped to 50–80% capacity, adding further strain ahead of the festive season.
Signs of Restructuring Beyond Layoffs
Samsung reportedly plans to merge business divisions, such as television and home appliances, to reduce overhead and improve efficiency.
The company has also paused fresh hiring and may reduce its off-roll workforce, signaling a broader effort to flatten management layers and cut operational costs.
In the U.S., a viral Reddit post claimed that employees were abruptly let go, with some reportedly stranded during business trips after their company-issued cards were deactivated.
Though unconfirmed, the post has fueled speculation about a global shakeup at the tech giant.
Retail Challenges and Executive Departures
Samsung’s troubles in India are compounded by tensions with offline retailers.
The All-India Mobile Retailer Association (AIMRA) has raised concerns over pricing disparities, reduced margins, and inventory build-up, sending multiple letters to Samsung’s leadership demanding corrective action.
These issues remain unresolved, further straining relationships with retail partners.
Additionally, the company has seen the exit of over 30 senior executives in recent months, many of whom have joined competitors like Xiaomi.
Sources suggest that more departures may be imminent, raising questions about leadership stability and strategic direction.
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