Apple Expands Vietnamese Manufacturing Despite New U.S. Tariffs
Apple is accelerating its pivot to Vietnamese production with plans to manufacture smart home devices in the country, undeterred by a new 20% U.S. tariff on Vietnamese electronics. The MOVE signals a strategic decoupling from Chinese supply chains as geopolitical tensions reshape global manufacturing.
A 7-inch smart home hub slated for 2026 will anchor Apple's Vietnam expansion, serving as a control center for connected devices. The tech giant's commitment comes despite potential cost impacts from August 2025 tariffs, which lack Apple-specific exemptions and target categories including smart displays and IP cameras.
The production shift coincides with Apple's broader push into AI-integrated home ecosystems. Future products like a 2027 home robot and Matter-compatible hub suggest long-term bets on Vietnam's manufacturing capabilities, even as tariff rules scrutinize product origins and assembly thresholds.
