Samsung Electronics faces a “strategic dilemma” over whether to defend its shrinking footprint in China or redeploy resources to bolster global competitiveness, analysts say, as speculation grows that the tech giant may scale back parts of its mainland operations and double down on semiconductors.

The South Korean firm was considering a broad restructuring of its China business, potentially exiting segments such as home appliances and displays while retaining smartphones and storage as core units, according to Chinese outlet Yicai, citing industry sources.

Samsung was likely to prioritise its semiconductor operations in China, even as it pares back other business lines, according to the report, which cited anonymous industry insiders.

The company has already been weighing a partial retreat, with job cuts under way in some underperforming divisions, according to sources who spoke to the South China Morning Post.

One source said Samsung could offload the distribution of home appliance sales to local partners, while retaining manufacturing operations. However, the decisions were not final and the scale of any exits remained unclear, another source said.

Samsung did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

“Samsung faces a strategic dilemma: put resources into defending market share in China or better competing against Chinese firms globally,” said Troy Stangarone, a non-resident fellow at the Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy and Technology.