Industrial Group
South Korea's #1 business group (Hyundai is #2). Businesses arms include electronics, trading, financial services and chemicals.
Company Assessment
(Last updated Jan 2023)
Praise
Criticism
Information
Samsung Group
Praise
Information
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.
Source: Ethical Consumer
(2022)
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.
Source: Dream for Dafur
(2008)
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]
Source: RepRisk
(2013)
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]
Source: RepRisk
(2013)
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.
Source: Carbon Trust
(2021)
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.
Source: company website
(2020)
48.68% for 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.
Source: news article
(2014)
Nuclear power
Samsung C&T Corporation is involved in the construction of nuclear power plants in the UAE.
Source: company website
(2013)
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.
Source: Facing Finance
(2015)
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
Products / Brands
Harman 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