How Vietnam emerged as a serious rival to China’s export machine

South Korean conglomerate Samsung operates huge factories in both China and Vietnam that pump out millions of smartphones for the global market.

And when it comes to quality, there’s no difference between the Android devices assembled in each country, said Lam Nguyen, director of research at the market intelligence firm IDC.

“The quality of a Samsung made-in-Vietnam handset is definitely the same in terms of quality as a made-in-China one,” he said.

It’s not just phones. Vietnam’s factories have made rapid progress over the past few years, and are now matching their Chinese rivals on quality as well as price across a whole host of industries, analysts said.

The trend represents a concern for China as the country braces for another trade confrontation with the United States after president-elect Donald Trump returns to office in January.

For decades, China has maintained a dominant position as the “world’s factory”, with its giant manufacturing sector giving it a clear lead in terms of efficiency and quality. But Vietnam has emerged as a genuine competitor over the past 15 years.