Reuters reported on November 5, citing multiple sources, that SpaceX requested its suppliers in Taiwan to relocate their production facilities outside of Taiwan due to “geopolitical risks.” Some companies have reportedly begun moving their operations overseas.
One source stated that SpaceX asked its Taiwanese suppliers, which supply components for Starlink, to move their production facilities outside of Taiwan, citing “geopolitical risks.” The source also noted that SpaceX had specifically requested one supplier to relocate to Vietnam.
Another source, who collaborates with Taiwanese satellite component manufacturers, confirmed that local suppliers received direct requests from SpaceX to move production abroad.
Chin-Poon Industrial, a supplier of satellite components to SpaceX, reported that SpaceX requested the company to move its manufacturing facilities for new orders to Thailand, citing “geopolitical considerations.”
Both Chin-Poon Industrial and SpaceX declined to comment on the matter.
The attention to SpaceX’s statement is partly due to past comments by Elon Musk. Musk sparked controversy in 2022 by suggesting that Taiwan could come under Chinese control to mitigate cross-strait tensions. In an interview with the British Financial Times, he argued that “the way to resolve conflict in the Taiwan Strait is for China to establish a special administrative zone for Taiwan.”
SpaceX’s Affinity for Vietnam
The relocation site that SpaceX has recommended to its suppliers is Vietnam.
An anonymous investment professional in Vietnam told Reuters that “a SpaceX delegation visited Vietnam in March 2023, expressing interest in establishing a satellite equipment manufacturing hub locally.” They further revealed that SpaceX sought advice from local experts on how to protect intellectual property in Vietnam.
Wistron NeWeb Corporation (WNC), a Taiwanese company that manufactures routers and other network equipment for Starlink, agreed to SpaceX’s request and has established a new production facility in Hanam province, about an hour south of Hanoi, Vietnam.
Universal Microwave Technology, which produces satellite components, also accepted SpaceX’s request and plans to set up a production base in Vietnam in early 2024.
Shenmao Technology, which supplies soldering materials for printed circuit boards to SpaceX, announced an investment of $5 million to establish a factory in Vietnam by April 2024.
According to Reuters, over ten Taiwanese suppliers deliver products directly to SpaceX, with these suppliers linked to dozens of subcontractors within Taiwan.
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SpaceX Urges Shift of Taiwan Supply Chain to Vietnam Amid Geopolitical Risks
Reuters reported on November 5, citing multiple sources, that SpaceX requested its suppliers in Taiwan to relocate their production facilities outside of Taiwa
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