Adidas is one of the most recognizable names in sportswear, known for its innovation, quality, and global appeal. But have you ever wondered where Adidas products are actually made?
The brand operates a vast manufacturing network across multiple continents, with production hubs in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Each location plays a strategic role in Adidas’ supply chain, influencing everything from production costs to delivery speed.
For sellers and businesses, understanding Adidas’ manufacturing locations isn’t just about curiosity. It’s about gaining insights into supply chain dynamics, sourcing strategies, and market trends.
In this guide, we’ll break down where Adidas products are made, highlight key suppliers, and explore how the brand’s global production network impacts the sportswear industry.
Adidas’ Sourcing Strategy for Footwear, Apparel, and Accessories
Adidas relies heavily on Asia for the production of its products. Below is a breakdown of their sourcing by category and country for 2020.
Footwear Sourcing
- Total Footwear Volume from Asia: 97% of Adidas’ footwear was produced in Asia in 2020, slightly down from 98% in 2019.
- Top Sourcing Countries:
- Vietnam: Continues to be Adidas’ largest footwear sourcing country, representing 42% of total volume in 2020 (down from 43% in 2019).
- Indonesia: Produced 29% of footwear (up from 28% in 2019).
- China: Contributed 15% of the footwear volume (down from 16% in 2019).
- Production Numbers: Adidas’ manufacturing partners in 2020 produced around 379 million pairs of shoes (down from 448 million in 2019).
- Largest Footwear Factory: Located in Vietnam, this factory accounted for 8% of total footwear volume, unchanged from 2019.
Apparel Sourcing
- Total Apparel Volume from Asia: 93% of Adidas’ apparel was sourced from Asia in 2020, up from 91% in 2019.
- Top Sourcing Countries:
- Cambodia: Remained the largest source, producing 22% of the apparel (down from 23% in 2019).
- Vietnam: Contributed 21% (up from 19% in 2019).
- China: Provided 20% of the total apparel (unchanged from 2019).
- Production Numbers: Adidas’ apparel partners produced approximately 465 million units in 2020 (down from 528 million in 2019).
- Largest Apparel Factory: The largest apparel factory, located in China, produced 11% of the total apparel volume in 2020, up from 9% in 2019.
Accessories and Gear Sourcing
- Total Accessories and Gear Volume from Asia: 77% of Adidas’ accessories and gear, such as balls and bags, were produced in Asia in 2020, a decrease from 81% in 2019.
- Top Sourcing Countries:
- China: Continued to be the leading country, producing 36% of the total accessories and gear volume in 2020 (down from 37% in 2019).
- Turkey: Increased to 21% of the volume (up from 18% in 2019).
- Pakistan: Accounted for 16% (down from 22% in 2019).
- Production Numbers: The total sourcing volume for accessories and gear was approximately 100 million units in 2020, down from 127 million in 2019.
- Largest Factory: Located in Turkey, this factory produced 21% of the accessories and gear in 2020, up from 16% in 2019.
Summary of Adidas’ Sourcing Trends
- Footwear: The majority of Adidas’ footwear comes from Vietnam, with other key sources including Indonesia and China.
- Apparel: Cambodia, Vietnam, and China are the leading apparel sourcing countries.
- Accessories & Gear: China remains the largest supplier, with Turkey and Pakistan contributing notable volumes.
Adidas’ Manufacturing Strategy: Outsourcing and Partner Relationships
Adidas outsources nearly all of its production to independent manufacturers to keep costs competitive. These manufacturers are highly skilled in large-scale, cost-effective production of footwear, apparel, accessories, and gear. Adidas provides detailed production specifications, but the manufacturers have expertise in delivering at a high volume.
Manufacturing Partnerships and Locations
- Number of Partners: In 2020, Adidas worked with 132 independent manufacturing partners, slightly down from 138 in 2019.
- Manufacturing Facilities: These partners operated 277 manufacturing facilities globally, down from 304 in 2019.
- Geographic Distribution: Most of their partners (68%) are based in Asia, down from 73% in 2019.
Long-Term Relationships with Manufacturing Partners
- Longevity: Adidas values long-term relationships with its partners. About 61% of their partners have worked with the company for at least 10 years, and 30% for more than 20 years.
- Production Volume: In 2020, these partners produced 943 million units of apparel, footwear, and accessories, slightly down from 1.1 billion in 2019.
Quality Control and Sustainability
Adidas holds its manufacturing partners to strict performance standards, regularly measuring and reviewing them through their Global Operations team. This ensures that the products meet the high-quality standards expected by consumers.
- Quality Control: They enforce stringent quality checks and inspections in their own factories and with third-party manufacturers. They track quality through claims procedures and have clear standards for materials.
- Sustainability and Social Responsibility: Adidas monitors its partners’ adherence to social and environmental standards using the C-KPI and E-KPI tracking systems. These key performance indicators (KPIs) track compliance with environmental and social criteria, ensuring that Adidas’ supply chain remains sustainable.
You can find the full list of Adidas’ independent manufacturing partners and learn more about their approach to sustainability on their official website.
Factors Influencing Adidas’ Choice of Product Locations
As a seller looking for reliable manufacturing partners, understanding the factors that shape Adidas’ decision on production locations can help you make more informed sourcing decisions. Adidas selects its manufacturing locations based on several key considerations, which can offer valuable insights into how to choose the right suppliers for your business.
1. Skilled Workforce
Adidas relies heavily on a skilled and experienced workforce to produce high-quality products. Most of Adidas’ production takes place in Asia, where a large pool of skilled labor is available. This skilled workforce ensures that products are manufactured to meet global standards.
2. Quality Standards
Maintaining impeccable quality standards is crucial for a globally recognized brand like Adidas. The company works with multiple independent manufacturing partners to ensure that each product meets strict quality requirements. As a seller, it’s essential to ensure that your supplier follows similar quality checks to meet your brand’s expectations.
3. Ethical and Sustainability Practices
Adidas places a strong emphasis on ethical and sustainable practices throughout its supply chain. The brand focuses on forming long-term partnerships with suppliers who adhere to social and environmental standards. As a seller, ensuring that your suppliers follow sustainable practices can help enhance your brand’s image and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
4. Cost Efficiency
One of the most important factors for Adidas in choosing manufacturing locations is cost efficiency. Lower labor and operational costs, especially in countries in Asia, allow Adidas to maintain competitive pricing in the market. For your business, sourcing from cost-efficient regions can help keep your product prices competitive while maintaining profit margins.
5. Market Proximity
Being close to major markets is essential for quick distribution. Adidas often chooses manufacturing locations that are in proximity to its primary markets. For example, producing in Asia allows Adidas to quickly supply growing markets in the region. As a seller, choosing a manufacturer close to your target market can help reduce shipping times and costs.
6. Infrastructure and Logistics
Efficient infrastructure and logistics networks are vital for ensuring timely delivery. Adidas seeks out regions with well-developed transportation systems (ports, railways, airports), which help streamline product delivery. As a seller, it’s important to choose a manufacturer that offers reliable logistics capabilities to avoid delays.
7. Supplier Network
Adidas maintains a strong and reliable supplier network to ensure the steady availability of raw materials. A diverse supplier base across different regions helps reduce supply chain risks. When looking for a manufacturer, it’s essential to check if they have an established network of suppliers to meet your material needs.
8. Technology and Automation
Adidas seeks manufacturing locations equipped with advanced technology and automation. These technologies help improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure product precision. As a seller, partnering with a manufacturer that embraces modern technology can enhance your production capabilities and reduce costs in the long run.
Why China Remains a Key Manufacturing Hub for Adidas
Despite Adidas exploring manufacturing diversification, China continues to be a cornerstone of the company’s production strategy. Here’s why China remains essential for Adidas’ global supply chain:
1. Cost-Effective Production
China remains one of the most cost-effective manufacturing locations due to its competitive labor costs and manufacturing capabilities. The country’s well-established infrastructure and supply chain networks allow Adidas to produce high-quality products at a lower cost. This cost efficiency is vital for keeping prices competitive in the global market.
2. Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities
China is home to some of the world’s most advanced factories equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Adidas takes advantage of these resources to produce complex products, such as footwear, apparel, and accessories, with precision and quality.
3. Proximity to Suppliers
Many of Adidas’ material suppliers are located in China, providing the company with easy access to raw materials. This proximity streamlines the supply chain, reduces lead times, and ensures that materials are readily available when needed—something crucial for maintaining efficient production schedules.
4. Established Workforce
China has a highly skilled workforce with years of experience in manufacturing sportswear and athletic products. This technical expertise enables Adidas to maintain high-quality production standards, ensuring that their products meet the rigorous demands of the global market.
5. Logistical Benefits
China’s extensive logistics infrastructure includes efficient ports, railways, and airports, which allow Adidas to ship products quickly across the globe. The country’s proximity to major international shipping routes makes it a strategic location for global distribution. For sellers, working with a manufacturer in China offers logistical advantages that help speed up delivery times and reduce shipping costs.
Finding Niche Clothing Manufacturers in China
Adidas’ global supply chain highlights the importance of selecting the right manufacturing partners, especially in a competitive market. While Adidas operates in many countries, China remains a central hub for its production due to its advanced infrastructure, skilled workforce, and cost efficiency.
For small and medium businesses looking to source products from China, identifying a trustworthy manufacturer can be tricky but is crucial for your success. Here’s a guide to help you find the right niche clothing manufacturer in China.
How to Find the Right Manufacturer
Here are a few practical steps to help you find a reliable manufacturer in China:
1. Use Trade Shows and Online Platforms
- Trade Shows: Attending trade shows in China is one of the best ways to meet manufacturers in person. You can inspect their products, assess their capabilities, and establish a direct line of communication.
- Online Marketplaces: Websites like Alibaba, Made-in-China, and Global Sources can connect you with manufacturers. However, always verify the supplier’s credentials before proceeding.
2. Check Certifications and Compliance
- Ask for certifications related to manufacturing standards (e.g., ISO, SGS). Ensure that the factory meets the required environmental and social responsibility standards.
- Verify their compliance with ethical standards and labor laws, especially if you’re producing for eco-conscious or social justice-focused markets.
3. Request Samples
- Before placing large orders, always request samples. This allows you to test the manufacturer’s quality, packaging, and customization capabilities. If they’re unwilling to provide samples, it may be a red flag.
4. Conduct Factory Audits
- Factory Audits: If possible, conduct a factory audit either personally or through a third-party service. This helps you assess their production capabilities and ensures they have the proper equipment and workforce.
- Use trusted auditing firms that specialize in factory inspections to reduce the risk of fraud or misrepresentation.
5. Assess Communication Efficiency
- Work with manufacturers who are responsive and clear in their communication. Effective communication is critical to ensure smooth production and avoid errors.
6. Start Small
- Start with small orders to test the relationship and assess quality, before committing to large volumes. This reduces your financial risk if things don’t go as planned.
7. Read Reviews and Seek References
- Look for reviews or testimonials from other businesses who have worked with the manufacturer. A trustworthy manufacturer will have a good reputation and be willing to provide references.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right clothing manufacturer in China requires due diligence. By focusing on finding partners with a track record of quality, reliability, and good communication, you can reduce risks and build a strong supply chain for your business. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be in a much better position to find a supplier that fits your needs.
At Lezhou Garment, we specialize in offering customized clothing solutions like t-shirts, hoodies, and sweatpants. We understand the importance of selecting the right manufacturer and would be happy to assist in your sourcing process. Feel free to reach out at kathy@lezhougarment.com for more information.
