DigiTimes quoted a supply chain source as saying that Google is considering moving orders for next-generation smartphones to Vietnam. This move is intended to avoid risks posed by the trade tensions between the US and China and also to avoid the impact of China’s epidemic blockades.
According to DigiTimes, Google originally planned to manufacture smartphones in Vietnam, but changed its decision due to the impact of the epidemic and strong support from the Chinese supply chain. However, the fact that China has imposed blockade orders in response to COVID-19 so far this year has made Google reconsider.
Pixel 6 has now become one of Google’s best-selling smartphones with 1.2 million units shipped in Q1 2022.
The Pixel 7 model is in production, but it is expected that since not much has changed with the Pixel 6, it will continue to be assembled in China. In the meantime, Google will move a small number of orders to Vietnam for testing.
According to the report, Google’s new smartphone production line in Vietnam will be established after 2023. This factory will be responsible for the production of new generation models.
FIH, a Foxconn subsidiary, is primarily responsible for manufacturing Google’s Pixel line, while Compal Electronics handles some of its components. Both FIH and Compal have factories in Vietnam and can respond to requests from Google at any time.
Source: CafeBiz
