Google Abandons China as Pixel Production Shifts to Asia

Google is shifting its Pixel device production out of China by next year. The tech giant has instructed suppliers to move all production, including phones, watches, and earbuds, to Vietnam and India from 2027.

This decision comes after Google's success in building high-end Pixel phones in Vietnam this year, which gave the company confidence in meeting its target. By moving production, Google aims to increase Pixel shipments by 8-10% this year, reaching around 12 million units in 2025.

The move is significant as it makes Google the second major global smartphone brand after Samsung to completely exit China's manufacturing landscape. The company can plug into the established smartphone supply chain ecosystem in Vietnam, which was set up by Samsung, making the transition easier than for others like Apple.