Google directs suppliers to shift all Pixel manufacturing out of China by 2027
The move involves phones, watches, and earbuds, with Google aiming to leverage existing infrastructure in Southeast Asia and India while increasing shipments this year.
Google has instructed its suppliers to cease the manufacturing of all Pixel devices in China starting in 2027, according to a report by Nikkei Asia. The directive covers the company’s entire wearable and smartphone portfolio, including Pixel phones, watches, and earbuds, with production expected to shift primarily to Vietnam and India.
This decision marks a significant acceleration in Google’s efforts to diversify its supply chain. While the company has been expanding its production capacity in Vietnam and India in recent years, the majority of its manufacturing has historically remained in China. The new timeline suggests a decisive break from that reliance, with suppliers now tasked with moving operations outside of Chinese borders over the next three years.
The shift builds on earlier developments reported in January, when Nikkei Asia noted that Google planned to develop and manufacture its Pixel 11 devices in Vietnam. That initiative required substantial investment in testing equipment and tooling to verify and fine-tune production processes from scratch. Having successfully navigated the complexities of smartphone manufacturing in Vietnam, Google is now applying those lessons to its broader device ecosystem.
A source familiar with the matter indicated that the transition may be smoother for Google than for competitors like Apple, as the company does not officially sell Pixel devices in China. This absence of a domestic sales market could simplify logistical and regulatory hurdles. Additionally, Google can leverage the smartphone supply chain infrastructure already established by Samsung in Vietnam, potentially reducing the friction associated with setting up new manufacturing lines.
Alongside the manufacturing relocation, Google has outlined plans to increase Pixel phone shipments by 8 to 10 percent in 2025, rising from 12 million units. The company views its hardware as a key vehicle for promoting the adoption of its Gemini artificial intelligence capabilities. To mitigate rising component costs, Google is reportedly bundling orders for phone memory chips with its cloud computing business, integrating hardware procurement with its broader technology services.
