The Manufacturing Shift
Vietnam has become the #1 alternative for electronics assembly. But for components, the comparison is nuanced.
Component Production: China Still Leads
- China produces ~36% of global electronics; Vietnam ~3-4%
- TE, Molex, Amphenol, JST all operate major plants in China
- Shenzhen has density no other city can match
Where Vietnam Wins
- Final assembly for Apple, Samsung supply chains
- Labor costs ~30-40% lower
The Sourcing Reality
Even when products are assembled in Vietnam, the components inside are mostly sourced from China. Source components from China, assemble where it makes sense.