Samsung Electronics Posts 22% Jump In Q1 Net Profit

More than half of Samsung's smartphones are made in Vietnam, where steep tariffs of up to 46% could be imposed if trade negotiations between Washington and Hanoi break down (Credit: AFP)

South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics reported a better-than-expected 21.7 percent rise in first-quarter net profit on Wednesday as consumers rushed to buy smartphones under the looming threat of US tariffs.

The firm said it expected improved earnings in the second half if "uncertainties are diminished".