Samsung Group
Industrial Group
South Korea's #1 business group (Hyundai is #2). Businesses arms include electronics, trading, financial services and chemicals.

Overall

Owned KOR
Rating F
About the Ratings
Samsung Group
KOR

Company Assessment

(Last updated Jan 2023)
Samsung Group
Criticism
Financing cluster munitions producers
The 2018 update to the report entitled "Worldwide Investments in Cluster Munitions" identifies 88 banks and other financial institutions with significant financial links to cluster munitions producers. This bank is listed in the report's Hall of Shame for having investments in one or more of the 7 cluster munitions producers named in the report.
Forced labour in China
The Chinese government has facilitated the mass transfer of Uyghur and other ethnic minority citizens from the far west region of Xinjiang to factories across the country. Under conditions that strongly suggest forced labour, Uyghurs are working in factories that are in the supply chains of at least 83 well-known global brands in the technology, clothing and automotive sectors, including brands owned by this company. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute's 2020 report estimates (somewhat conservatively) that more than 80,000 Uyghurs were transferred out of Xinjiang to work in factories across China between 2017 and 2019, and some of them were sent directly from detention camps.
Source: ASPI (2020)
Tax avoidance
This company scores Ethical Consumer's worst rating for the likely use of tax avoidance strategies, and has at least two high risk subsidiaries in tax havens.
Information
Action on Darfur
Identified in 'The Big Chill: Too Scared to Speak' report which identified Chinese Olympic Sponsors response to Darfur crisis in Sudan. Received a D-. These companies received a grade slightly higher than outright failure because they met with the campaign. Notably, Samsung sent two executives to New York from South Korea for a meeting with campaign.
Most controversial companies of 2012
This company appeared fourth on RepRisk's top ten "most environmentally and socially controversial companies of 2012". Companies on the list were severely criticised during 2012 by the world's media, governments and NGOs. [Listed under Information due to age of report]
Most controversial companies of 2013
This company appeared tenth on RepRisk's top ten "Most Controversial Companies of 2013". Companies on the list were severely criticised during 2013 by the world's media, governments and NGOs. Criticisms of Samsung Group included occupational, health and safety issues and poor employment conditions at its factories as well as human rights abuses, including child labor, within its supply chain. [Listed under Information due to age of report]
Product carbon footprint label
This company has products that are certified by the Carbon Trust, signifying that the carbon footprint of selected products has been measured, managed and reduced. A life cycle product carbon footprint is determined by calculating the total greenhouse gas emissions generated by a product, from extraction of raw-materials, to end-of-life.
Sustainability claims
This company has extensive sustainability claims on its website in the areas of strategy, corporate citizenship, environment, diversity & inclusion, responsible labor practice, supply chain, ethics, report & policy, and facts & figures.
Supply chain practices in China
The Green Supply Chain Corporate Information Transparency Index (CITI) evaluates consumer-facing companies that have a sizeable supply chain in China. The evaluation uses government supervision data and public information to assess the environmental management of their supply chains in China. This company received a score of 48.68/100 (retrieved 24 Nov 2023).
Source: IPE (2023)
Military - previous involvement
In 2014 Samsung Group sold four chemical and defense units to Hanwha Group for an estimated US$1.7 billion. The deal makes Hanwha Korea's main defense giant, and includes Samsung Techwin (now Hanwha Techwin), maker of armoured tanks and other weapons for the South Korean army and the Turkish army.
Nuclear power
Samsung C&T Corporation is involved in the construction of nuclear power plants in the UAE.
Facing Finance profile
This company is listed on the Facing Finance website as a company that manufactures weapons or profits from violations of human rights, pollution, corruption, or international law. Follow link for further details.
> About the Icons

Company Details

Type:
Group
Revenue:
269 billion USD (2012)
Employees:
425,000 (2012)
Subsidiaries:
Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Consumer electronics
Established in 1969, the flagship company in the Samsung Group operates in consumer electronics, information technology, mobile communications and device solutions.
Harman International Industries Inc
Electronics
Harmans business units are: connected car technology, lifestyle audio, and professional audio and lighting solutions. Acquired by Samsung in 2017.
Samsung Electronics Australia Pty Ltd
Electronics wholesaler
Sales and marketing subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, part of the Samsung Group.

Contact Details

Address:
Seoul, Republic of Korea
Website:
www.samsung.com

Products / Brands

Harman
JBL Soundbars
JBL Bluetooth Speakers
JBL Wireless Earbuds
Samsung Australia
Gear VR VR Headsets
Samsung Audio Equipment
Samsung Blu-Ray/DVD Players
Samsung Televisions
Samsung Soundbars
Samsung Cameras/Camcorders
Samsung Smartphones
Samsung Computer monitors
Samsung Air Purifiers
Samsung Air Conditioners
Samsung Dishwashers
Samsung Smartwatches
Samsung Fridges & Freezers
Samsung Microwaves
Samsung Ovens & Cooktops
Samsung Washing Machines & Dryers
Samsung Vacuum Cleaners
Samsung Printers
Samsung Laptops
Samsung Storage Media
Samsung Tablets
Samsung Galaxy Buds Wireless Earbuds