A major PC maker is collaborating with its suppliers to relocate the production of millions of consumer and commercial laptops to Thailand and Mexico throughout this year. As the second-largest PC maker globally in terms of shipments, the company plans to move a portion of its commercial notebook computer production to Mexico while shifting some of its consumer laptop production to Thailand. In addition, the company intends to commence laptop production in Vietnam starting next year, as confirmed by one of its suppliers. This year’s projected production outside of China is expected to range from a couple of million to 5 million units.
Thailand already possesses several PC suppliers, making it conducive for the intended shift, while Mexico’s production facilities would facilitate better service to the primary North American market. The company has stated on its website that it is expanding its operations in Southeast Asia and other locations and has been incrementally enhancing notebook PC production in Mexico. This company move will contribute to developing a robust supply chain ecosystem for PCs in Vietnam and Thailand, thereby making Southeast Asia an even more appealing option for computer manufacturers seeking production alternatives amidst geopolitical uncertainties. It is worth noting that the top US PC maker has long been a staunch supporter of electronics manufacturing in China.
However, the deep-rooted supply chain for notebook computers in China poses a challenge, with industry experts and analysts voicing the difficulty of transitioning away from it.
