Google Follows Growing Trend To Move Pixel 7 Manufacturing Out Of China
Google is apparently expecting up to half of “next year’s high-end Pixel phones” to be made in Vietnam. However, The New York Times doesn’t clarify whether this statement refers to Pixel 7 devices manufactured and shipped in 2023 or the Pixel 8 devices expected to launch next year. Google may also launch a foldable phone in 2023, but the screen and hinge technology necessary for such a device may require that it be manufactured in China where the suppliers of those components reside. Nonetheless, Google looks to be serious about moving its phone manufacturing.
These moves are being made amid rising tensions between China and Taiwan. China denies Taiwan’s claims to independence and could attempt to subdue the island nation by force. Such an aggression would likely disrupt US-China relations, putting device manufacturing operations located in China in jeopardy. These fears are probably driving tech companies to look elsewhere for manufacturing capacity. Other contributing factors may be rising costs associated with tariffs imposed on Chinese manufacturing and China’s commitment to its Zero-COVID policy, which continues to drive supply chain disruptions.