Vietnam is stepping up as a hub for sneaker production, overtaking China’s long-held dominance, according to a recent New York Times article:

“China is the world’s factory for cars, toys and computers. But not sneakers. China is losing that title to Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City… Vietnam has overtaken China as the No. 1 source of sneakers sold to the world by Nike, Adidas and Brooks and others.”

This transformation wasn’t overnight. It traces a decades long journey through South Korea, Taiwan, and China before arriving in Vietnam. The country’s appeal lies in its young labor force, investment friendly policies, and increasingly independent supply chain. Even as some components still come from China, some companies report “very little reliance” on their former manufacturing base.

Could electronics follow the same path? Is that already happening in Vietnam, India and elsewhere? Read the full story here.