Hong Fu Bets Big on India | 368

Brief

You might not recognize the name Hong Fu Industrial Group — but chances are, you’ve worn their products. As the second-largest manufacturer of sports shoes in the world, Hong Fu produces footwear for major brands like Nike and Adidas. Now, with changing global markets, Hong Fu is making a big move into India.

Overview

In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan dive into the story of Hong Fu Industrial Group, a Taiwanese OEM powerhouse in the sports footwear industry. They explain Hong Fu’s $130 million investment in a new factory in Tamil Nadu, India, and discuss the broader trend of global manufacturers shifting operations away from China. Along the way, they highlight the opportunities and obstacles facing India’s footwear market, from new government quality standards to the rise of innovative local brands.

Insights

Skip and Dez break down the business dynamics behind Hong Fu’s investment and help you build your business English skills. Key takeaways include:

Who Hong Fu Industrial Group is and why you’ve probably worn their products without realizing it.
How the “China +1” strategy is driving global companies to invest in countries like India.
The impact of new Indian footwear regulations on small and large manufacturers alike.
How local Indian brands like Zen Barefoot and Comet are innovating in the footwear space.

In summary

D2B 368 explores how Hong Fu’s $130 million bet on India could reshape the global sports footwear market — and how India’s homegrown brands are stepping up in response.

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Hong Fu Bets Big on India | 368

Brief

Overview

Insights

In summary

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