Mizuno Expands Production to Cambodia to Meet Rising Baseball Demand

Japanese sporting goods manufacturer Mizuno announced on January 7, 2026, that it will establish a new baseball production plant in Cambodia. This expansion signifies a strategic response to increasing global demand for baseball equipment, driven in part by the growing popularity of the sport and anticipation for the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC).

Responding to Increased Demand

Mizuno, a leading supplier of baseballs – including the official ball for Japanese professional baseball – has observed a surge in demand for its products. The company attributes this growth to factors such as the exceptional performance of players like Shohei Ohtani and the excitement surrounding the upcoming 2026 WBC, co-hosted by Japan and the United States [1].

New Facility Details

The new production facility will be located in a special economic zone in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and is slated to begin full operations in June 2026. The plant is expected to employ approximately 200 workers and produce around 1.2 million baseballs annually. Mizuno’s strategy centers on leveraging Cambodia’s cost-competitive labor market to ensure a stable supply of high-quality baseballs, a product that remains labor-intensive to manufacture.

The Craft of Baseball production

The production of a baseball is a meticulous process involving handcraftsmanship. It requires skilled workers to carefully wrap wool around a cork core and cover it with stitched cowhide. This emphasis on manual labor necessitates a workforce with specialized technical skills.

Cambodia’s Labor Market Advantages

According to a 2026 survey by the Japan Institution for the Promotion of Trade (JETRO), the average annual wage for manufacturing workers in Cambodia is approximately $3,931 (roughly 610,000 yen).This is considerably lower than wages in China (69% less) and Vietnam (25% less), making Cambodia an attractive location for manufacturing operations [1].

Strategic Location and Stability

While some Japanese production bases in Cambodia have faced disruptions due to border conflicts with Thailand, mizuno believes Phnom Penh’s location offers relative stability. Its distance from the border and access to southern Vietnamese trade ports reinforce its suitability as an export hub.

Looking Ahead

This strategic expansion reflects Mizuno’s commitment to meeting the increasing global demand for baseball equipment and solidifies its position as a leading manufacturer in the industry. The new Cambodian facility will play a crucial role in ensuring a consistent and cost-effective supply of high-quality baseballs for players at all levels.