Apple’s AirPods assembler, Chinese firm GoerTek, confirmed plans to shift production out of China to avoid the escalating trade war between the US and China.

The producer has notified suppliers that it intends to move production of the wireless earphones to Viet Nam, the Nikkei Asian Review reported.

GoerTek and Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Meanwhile, Cheng Uei, which supplies chargers and connectors for iPhones and Android smartphones, said it was considering bringing some production back to Taiwan and Southeast Asia because of the trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.

The group is evaluating new facilities in Thailand, Viet Nam and the Philippines. — VNS