ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
Opinion

The Samsung sandwich

Squeezed between Apple and Chinese rivals, South Korean giant must break out with innovations

| South Korea
Samsung smartphones need to stand out from the pack.   © Reuters

In 2007, Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee observed that South Korea was "sandwiched" uncomfortably between high-tech developed economies and low-cost China.

Eleven years on, Korea's biggest company is itself caught in the middle. On top side, there is Apple with its $1 trillion valuation and enviable pipeline of consumer favorites. On the bottom, cheaper Chinese brands are going global in a hurry and eating Samsung's lunch.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more