Samsung Electronics stock fell on Friday as investors weighed fresh tariff risks, a new stablecoin wallet plan, and Citi’s positive memory-chip outlook. Shares dropped 7.6% to ₩249,500, while the wider market sold off South Korean chipmakers.
The company announced native stablecoin support for Samsung Wallet during Galaxy Unpacked 2026 on July 22. However, Samsung has not confirmed a launch date, supported networks, regional access, or technology partners.
Samsung said its wallet will expand beyond payment cards, digital IDs, rewards, cash, and savings. The planned update will allow Galaxy users to send, receive, and hold stablecoins through the mobile application.
A USDC interface appeared during the event. It showed transfer, receipt, and top-up tools. Samsung did not confirm that USDC will launch with the service. Therefore, the demonstration only offers a view of the planned feature.
Samsung product manager Lee Dinham said the company wants to place payments, rewards, and digital assets in one application. Samsung Knox will protect the financial tools through device security and end-to-end encryption.
The move builds on Samsung’s October 2025 partnership with Coinbase. That agreement allowed more than 75 million US Galaxy users to buy crypto through Samsung Wallet. New users also received a three-month Coinbase One subscription.
Fresh US tariffs on imports from more than 60 economies have increased concern around global supply chains. Samsung sells consumer devices and supplies memory chips, displays, and other components across markets.
The company generates large revenue contributions from the Americas, China, and Europe. This structure leaves Samsung exposed to customs costs, compliance rules, and possible trade retaliation. Higher duties could also affect device pricing and component margins.
Samsung is investing heavily in memory capacity and AI-related chips. At the same time, the company faces legal disputes involving memory products and changes at board level. These issues add more factors for investors tracking Samsung stock.
Tariff exposure also affects other global companies. Toyota-related investment products face vehicle and parts import risks. Procter & Gamble has estimated $1 billion to $1.5 billion in tariff costs. The group may respond through pricing and product changes.
Citi Research maintained Buy ratings on Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. The bank said stock weakness reflected ‘unfounded fears’ of a memory-cycle downturn. It also questioned concerns around weak Chinese smartphone sales and higher channel inventories.
Citi analysts said memory inventory remains ‘materially low’ at suppliers and customers. The bank added that rising demand could keep supply below orders. Its report placed manufacturer supply sufficiency ratios between 50% and 70%.
The bank expects AI infrastructure to support the next phase of memory demand. It cited the growing use of context memory extension systems and high-capacity solid-state drives near graphics processors.
Citi also pointed to NVIDIA’s Vera Rubin platform. The system may require large amounts of high-speed storage for enterprise AI workloads. The bank expects this demand to benefit Samsung’s NAND and advanced DRAM businesses.
Samsung’s stablecoin plan adds a new service to its mobile ecosystem. Yet the launch details remain unclear, while tariffs and supply-chain costs remain current risks. Citi’s rating presents a view based on tight memory supply and expanding AI server demand.
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