

"Made in China" Becomes "Made in Vietnam" || Peter Zeihan
10 snips Jul 11, 2025
Vietnam is rising in the ranks of American imports, emerging as a key player in global trade. The shift from China to Vietnam showcases the country's advantages in manufacturing and supply chains. Unlike direct competition, Vietnam and Mexico both enhance their economic positions. As China's influence wanes, the podcast explores the complexities of navigating these new trade dynamics and the challenges in enforcing tariffs. It's an insightful look at how Vietnam is poised to reshape the landscape of global manufacturing.
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Vietnam's Strategic Manufacturing Appeal
- Vietnam's proximity to China makes it a prime location for relocating manufacturing or serving as a backup supply chain hub.
- Its large STEM-educated workforce and size comparable to Mexico's workforce enhance its attractiveness to investors.
Vietnam vs Mexico Manufacturing Styles
- Vietnam and Mexico employ fundamentally different manufacturing approaches shaped by their geography.
- Vietnam supports clustered, specialized supply chains while Mexico typically manufactures complete products in isolated desert cities.
Resilience of Mexico and Vietnam
- With decreasing global trade linkages, Mexico’s localized manufacturing approach is resilient.
- Despite challenges in China, Vietnam will remain crucial as a China-like manufacturing alternative.