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SCIENCE-DIPLOMACY-SKOREA-JAPAN
Samsung to launch foldable smartphone in September
SEOUL, July 25, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – South Korean electronics giant Samsung
announced Thursday it will release its cutting-edge foldable smartphone in
September, despite a trade dispute between Seoul and Tokyo which analysts say
will affect delivery.
Tokyo earlier this month restricted export to South Korea of several key
materials crucial to its world-leading electronics and smartphone companies,
including market leader Samsung.
The decision was made in response to a South Korean court decision
ordering Japanese firms that used forced labour during World War II to
compensate Korean victims.
Tokyo’s move has raised international concern about the effect on global
tech supply chains and the possibility of price hikes for consumers
worldwide.
Samsung’s Galaxy Fold is among the end products that will be affected as
it relies on a chemical film produced by Japanese firm Sumitomo Chemical,
said IHS Markit display research directtor Tadashi Uno.
Samsung had planned to launch the Fold in April, but pushed back the
release date after early reviewers reported screen problems after just days
of use.
The smartphone giant said it has “made improvements” to the device since
then.
Samsung has spent nearly eight years developing the Fold in an effort to
spark demand and potentially revive a sector that has been struggling for new
innovations.
Tech companies are already under pressure from a weakening global outlook,
while the chip sector in particular is suffering from weak demand.
BSS/AFP/MSY/0958 hrs