Why Chinese Manufacturers Are Leaving the Pearl River Delta to Go to Vietnam

File image of a Maxport factory in Hanoi that activewear for various textile clothing brands. Nhac NGUYEN / AFP

International companies are by no means alone in looking to move their supply chains out of China. A growing number of Chinese manufacturers are doing the same, albeit for very different reasons.

While U.S., European and Japanese companies have been frustrated by souring political ties, tariffs, and ongoing lockdowns, Chinese companies see an opportunity to take advantage of new regional free trade agreements and cheaper labor costs in nearby countries like Vietnam.

  • Get a daily email packed with the latest China-Africa news and analysis.
  • Read exclusive insights on the key trends shaping China-Africa relations.
  • Full access to the News Feed that provides daily updates on Chinese engagement in Africa and throughout the Global South.

China, Africa and the Global South... find out what’s happening.

Subscribe today for unlimited access.

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.