Apple partner continues to build $350 million factory in Vietnam

Meiko will produce ultra-small, energy-efficient 3D printed circuit boards in Vietnam to supply Apple's iPhone assembly plants in India. Photo: Satoko Kawasaki .

According to Nikkei Asia , Meiko Electronics (Japan) will invest 50 billion yen ( 340 million USD ) to build a new factory in Vietnam. The facility will be located in Hoa Binh and start production from fiscal year 2026.

Meiko is Japan's leading manufacturer of printed circuit boards (PCBs), where electronic components such as semiconductors and capacitors are connected together to form functional circuits. The company currently has three factories in Vietnam.

Apple’s new artificial intelligence applications require more advanced semiconductors and components. The Hoa Binh plant will produce tiny, energy-efficient printed circuit boards (PCBs) for iPhones, which will then be assembled in India, part of Apple’s plan to diversify its supply chain.

During President Trump’s first term, Apple began moving iPhone production to India to reduce its reliance on one country. On April 9, Trump increased tariffs on Chinese goods to 125%, up from the previously announced 104%.

Apple is now accelerating its diversification of its supply chain. Analysts predict that the company will increase the proportion of iPhones made in India to 25% by 2027, up from about 15% now. Apple contract manufacturers such as Taiwan’s Foxconn, which makes iPhones, iMacs, iPads and other products, are also developing manufacturing facilities in India and Vietnam.

Among Japanese partners, TDK, the world’s largest smartphone battery maker, will start operating a plant in India this summer. The Tokyo-based company currently makes most of its phone batteries in China, but has begun looking for alternative production hubs amid rising geopolitical risks.

Source: https://znews.vn/doi-tac-apple-tiep-tuc-xay-nha-may-350-trieu-usd-o-viet-nam-post1544793.html