Google Relocates Early Pixel Development from China to Vietnam Amid Trade Policy Shifts
Google is moving its new product introduction (NPI) work for high-end Pixel phones—including the Pixel, Pixel Pro, and Pixel Fold lines—from China to Vietnam. Budget-friendly Pixel A models will remain in China for initial development. NPI, a critical phase involving production scaling, quality checks, and process adjustments, has traditionally been anchored in China due to its robust supplier network. However, U.S. tariff policies under the TRUMP administration have prompted reevaluations.
Apple mirrors this strategy, exploring dual NPI operations in India and China as a contingency. Vietnam, already familiar to Google, emerges as a strategic alternative. The shift underscores broader supply chain diversification trends among tech giants navigating geopolitical and trade uncertainties.