Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix Pay Over 11 Trillion Won in Corporate Tax
Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix paid over 11 trillion Korean won in corporate income tax in the first half of 2026. This represents a 167% increase year-over-year, driven by a recovery in the semiconductor market.
SEOUL – Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix paid over 11 trillion Korean won (approximately $8.3 billion USD) in corporate income tax during the first half of 2026. This figure marks a substantial 167% increase compared to the same period last year, reflecting a significant rebound in the semiconductor industry and improved profitability for the two tech giants.
According to data from South Korea's Financial Supervisory Service, Samsung Electronics paid 3.99 trillion won and SK Hynix paid 7.22 trillion won in taxes. The combined amount of 11.21 trillion won is a sharp rise from the 4.19 trillion won paid in the first half of 2025. Notably, SK Hynix's tax payment exceeded its previous record for the first half of a year, set in 2019.
The tax payments are based on the companies' performance in the preceding fiscal year. The ongoing recovery in the semiconductor sector and the resulting surge in profits are expected to continue contributing to higher tax revenues in the future. Both companies reported substantial increases in operating profit during the first half of 2026, with strong forecasts for the full year.
Market analysts estimate that if Samsung and SK Hynix's combined operating profit reaches between 500 and 600 trillion won, their annual corporate tax payments could exceed 100 trillion won. Such a figure would surpass previous records, although final tax amounts may be adjusted due to tax credits for R&D and equipment investments, as well as specific calculations for taxable income.