Oil Prices Slide in 2025 as Oversupply and Geopolitical Risks Shape Market Outlook 
South Korea Factory Output Misses Forecasts in November Amid Ongoing Economic Uncertainty 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Ahead of Fed Minutes as Markets Eye Policy Divisions 
Citi Forecasts a Volatile but Ongoing Bull Market for S&P 500 in 2026 
U.S. Dollar Slides Toward Biggest Annual Loss Since 2017 as 2026 Risks Loom 
Oil Prices Slip Slightly as Markets Weigh Geopolitical Risks and Supply Glut Concerns 
Japanese Business Leaders Urge Government Action as Weak Yen Strains Economy 
USDA $12 Billion Farm Aid Program Draws Mixed Reactions from Row Crop Farmers 
China Manufacturing PMI Rebounds in December, Offering Boost to Economic Growth Outlook 
Oil Prices Stabilize at Start of 2026 as OPEC+ Policy and Geopolitical Risks Shape Market Outlook 
Asia Manufacturing PMI Rebounds as Exports and Tech Demand Drive Growth into 2026 
China Imposes 55% Tariff on Beef Imports Above Quota to Protect Domestic Industry 
Singapore GDP Growth Surges in 2025 but Outlook Remains Cautious Amid Global Trade Risks 
U.S. Stocks Slip as Gold Rebounds Ahead of Year-End, Markets Eye 2026 Outlook 
South Korea Exports Hit Record High as Global Trade Momentum Builds 
South Korean Won Slides Despite Government Efforts to Stabilize Currency Markets 
Gold Prices Rebound in Europe as Geopolitical Tensions and Fed Outlook Support Bullion 
Global smartphone shipments recorded a modest 2% year-on-year increase in 2025, signaling a gradual recovery for the mobile industry, according to a report released by Counterpoint Research. The growth was largely fueled by stronger consumer demand and improving economic conditions in emerging markets, which helped offset softer performance in more mature regions. As inflationary pressures eased in parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, smartphone upgrades and first-time purchases contributed positively to overall shipment volumes.
Apple emerged as the clear market leader in 2025, capturing a 20% share among the world’s top five smartphone brands. The company benefited from solid demand across emerging and mid-sized markets, along with strong global sales of the iPhone 17 series. Counterpoint analyst Varun Mishra noted that Apple’s expanding retail presence, financing options, and ecosystem-driven loyalty played a key role in sustaining its leadership position throughout the year.
Samsung ranked second with a 19% market share, posting modest shipment growth despite intense competition and slower replacement cycles in developed markets. Xiaomi secured third place with a 13% share, supported by consistent demand in price-sensitive emerging markets where its value-focused smartphones remain highly competitive. Other manufacturers continued to rely heavily on emerging economies to drive volumes amid cautious consumer spending elsewhere.
The report also highlighted that several smartphone manufacturers increased shipments early in 2025 to mitigate the potential impact of tariffs. However, this front-loading strategy gradually lost momentum, and by the second half of the year, shipment volumes were largely unaffected by tariff-related concerns.
Looking ahead, Counterpoint Research warned that the global smartphone market could face renewed pressure in 2026. Research director Tarun Pathak pointed to potential chip shortages and rising component costs as major risks, as semiconductor manufacturers increasingly prioritize AI data centers over smartphone production. This shift could constrain supply, increase prices, and dampen overall smartphone demand next year, potentially slowing the industry’s recovery trajectory.
