Cambodia was Adidas’ largest garment manufacturer in 2021, overtaking China, as the German sportswear giant turns to Southeast Asia to fulfil its manufacturing needs. Adidas’ incoming chief executive officer will need to tackle the tricky issues of manufacturing in China and the Chinese market, where sales are sliding.
Cambodia made 21 percent of Adidas’ sports clothing in 2021, followed by China with 20 percent and Vietnam with 15 percent, according to the Bavaria-based firm’s financial report. Back in 2013, China was the biggest producer at 33 percent, followed by Indonesia with 11 percent and Vietnam 10 percent for Vietnam.
Adidas’ sales are also tumbling in China and have dropped for six consecutive quarters due to the Covid-19 pandemic, changes in consumer preference and stiff competition. The sportswear giant said at the end of last year that it will reduce the number of outlets in China to 8,000 from 12,000.
