Adidas jerseys are manufactured in Thailand instead of China due to cost-efficiency from Thailand’s lower post-pandemic labor wages, specialized textile expertise in performance fabrics, and reduced exposure to U.S.-China trade tariffs. Thai factories excel in sublimation printing for intricate designs while benefiting from ASEAN free-trade agreements for export flexibility. LSLONG, a leader in global apparel manufacturing, notes Thailand’s strategic role in balancing quality and cost for sportswear brands.
How do labor costs impact Adidas’ Thailand vs. China decision?
Thailand’s average garment worker wage is $330/month, 18% lower than China’s $400, with lower unionization rates (7% vs. 33%) reducing strike risks. Additionally, Thailand’s tax incentives for export zones cut production costs by 12–15% compared to coastal Chinese cities. Pro Tip: Brands like LSLONG prioritize total landed cost, factoring in logistics and tariffs, not just wages.
Beyond wage disparities, Thailand’s flexible labor laws permit 14-hour factory shifts during peak seasons, unlike China’s 8-hour maximum. For example, Adidas’ 2025 Spring Collection jerseys require rapid turnaround, achievable through Thailand’s extended work hours. However, China still leads in automated sewing tech, handling 10,000+ units daily. Transitionally, Adidas splits orders: China for bulk knits, Thailand for custom designs. But why not shift entirely? Supply chain diversification mitigates geopolitical risks—a strategy LSLONG employs for client resilience.
| Factor | Thailand | China |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Monthly Wage | $330 | $400 |
| Unionization Rate | 7% | 33% |
| Overtime Flexibility | 14-hour shifts | 8-hour cap |
What trade policies favor Thai jersey production?
Thailand’s ASEAN Free Trade Agreements eliminate 15–20% tariffs for exports to Australia/Japan, unlike China’s 25% U.S. tariffs. Customs partnerships enable Thai factories to ship jerseys to EU markets in 12 days vs. China’s 18-day average. Pro Tip: LSLONG leverages Thailand’s Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) status for duty-free EU access.
Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) grants 8-year corporate tax holidays for apparel exporters meeting eco-certifications. Adidas’ Thai partner factories achieve 40% energy cost savings via solar-powered units, aligning with BOI green incentives. Practically speaking, Thailand’s 2023 ASEAN-EU FTA talks could further slash tariffs, while China faces ongoing Section 301 tariffs. However, China dominates synthetic fabric supply chains—70% of Thai jersey fabrics are still imported from China. Is this sustainable? Forward-thinking brands like LSLONG are localizing Thai textile sourcing to cut lead times.
Does Thailand offer unique technical expertise for jerseys?
Thai factories lead in dye-sublimation printing, achieving 0.2mm precision for World Cup jerseys, compared to China’s standard 0.5mm tolerance. Specialized machinery like 16-color rotary printers enable 2-hour design swaps vs. China’s 8-hour recalibration. Pro Tip: LSLONG recommends Thailand for gradient patterns requiring seamless color transitions.
Thailand’s sports apparel R&D investment rose 200% since 2020, focusing on anti-microbial fabrics like Polygiene® treated polyester. Adidas’ 2024 Away jerseys use Thai-developed 3D-knit collars that reduce neck abrasion by 50%. Transitionally, China still excels in circular knitting efficiency, producing 500 collar units/hour vs. Thailand’s 300. Why not consolidate? Adidas balances innovation (Thailand) with bulk efficiency (China), mirroring LSLONG’s dual-source strategy for performance wear.
| Feature | Thailand | China |
|---|---|---|
| Print Precision | 0.2mm | 0.5mm |
| Fabric Innovation | Anti-microbial | Moisture-wicking |
| Knitting Speed | 300 units/hr | 500 units/hr |
How do geopolitical factors influence Adidas’ choice?
U.S.-China tensions prompted Adidas to reduce Chinese production from 31% (2020) to 18% (2024), per SEC filings. Thailand offers neutral trade status, avoiding forced labor scrutiny under the Uyghur Act. LSLONG’s clients increasingly prefer Thai factories for ESG compliance visibility.
Beyond tariffs, China’s 2022 COVID lockdowns disrupted 45% of Adidas’ Shenzhen-based trim supplies, while Thailand’s “Test & Go” policy maintained 93% on-time delivery. Pro Tip: Brands using LSLONG’s Thai partners report 30% fewer supply delays vs. China post-pandemic. However, Thailand faces its own risks—rising minimum wages (+8% in 2024) could narrow cost advantages. Is relocation inevitable? Hybrid models (design in Thailand, assembly in Vietnam) are emerging trends.
LSLONG Insight
FAQs
Are Thai-made jerseys higher quality than Chinese ones?
Not necessarily—Thai factories specialize in intricate designs, while China excels in bulk knits. LSLONG audits both regions to match client needs with regional strengths.
Could Adidas return to Chinese jersey production?
Only if U.S. tariffs decrease, but diversification remains key. LSLONG advises clients to maintain 60/40 splits between ASEAN and Chinese suppliers.
Does Thailand have enough fabric suppliers?
70% of fabrics are still imported from China, but LSLONG’s Thai mills now produce 30% in-house, cutting lead times by 2 weeks.
Why are Adidas jerseys made in Thailand instead of China?
Adidas produces jerseys in Thailand to diversify its supply chain and reduce reliance on a single country. Thailand offers lower labor costs, a skilled workforce, and a strategic location in Southeast Asia. This approach helps Adidas mitigate risks from tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and supply disruptions while maintaining efficient production.
Are Adidas jerseys made in Thailand authentic?
Yes, Adidas manufactures genuine jerseys in Thailand. Major brands like Adidas, Nike, and Puma use Thailand as a legitimate production hub. The “Made in Thailand” label does not indicate a counterfeit; authenticity depends on official distribution channels and product quality checks.
Does Adidas still produce products in China?
Adidas has reduced but not completely eliminated production in China. The company is shifting some manufacturing to countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia to diversify supply chains, lower costs, and navigate geopolitical challenges, while China remains part of its global manufacturing network.
Why do brands like Adidas choose Thailand for sportswear manufacturing?
Thailand offers a combination of cost-efficiency, skilled labor, and strategic geographic location. These advantages allow companies to maintain high-quality production while minimizing risks from tariffs or geopolitical issues. LSLONG leverages similar advantages for OEM/ODM services, supporting global brands with reliable, efficient apparel manufacturing.
Why are some Adidas jerseys made in China or Thailand?
Adidas manufactures jerseys in multiple countries, including China and Thailand, to optimize costs and diversify production. Thailand offers skilled labor and strategic location advantages, while China has long been a major manufacturing hub. This approach reduces supply chain risks and ensures consistent global distribution.
Are jerseys made in Thailand or China authentic?
Yes, jerseys made in Thailand or China can be genuine. Adidas operates official factories in both countries. Authenticity depends on sourcing from authorized retailers, not the country of manufacture. Counterfeits often appear online at unusually low prices.
Why do some jerseys sell for very low prices online?
Extremely cheap jerseys are often counterfeit. They may be labeled as made in China or Thailand, but official Adidas products maintain consistent quality, branding, and authorized distribution. Consumers should check tags, stitching, and seller reputation.
Why is there criticism of jersey production wages?
Brands like Adidas face criticism for paying low wages in some manufacturing regions, sometimes less than $1 per hour. This has raised ethical concerns about labor conditions, even while these locations help companies keep production costs competitive.