Apple MacBook orders shift: Thailand may become new production center

October 12, 2012 - Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed that Apple will continue its supply chain diversification program and may move production of MacBooks to the Thailand region in the future.

Currently, Apple's full range of MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models are assembled in Chinese factories.

However, Apple is slowly shifting its China-based production center approach to multiple production centers. Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple will add more overseas assembly sites to meet U.S. market demand within three to five years.

Ming-Chi Kuo sees Thailand as the main production location for the MacBook lineup going forward. Also Apple's longtime MacBook supplier Quanta Computer has been expanding its operations in Thailand over the past few years.

In addition, Apple's supply chain has expanded to include production in India and Vietnam factories. According to Apple's plan, Tata Group in India may cooperate with PEGATRON or Wistron to develop iPhone assembly business in the future.

Today, more than 80% of iPhones produced in India are made to meet local market demand, and Apple will continue to increase the proportion of iPhones produced in its overseas bases in the future.