How to Find Suppliers Outside of China: Alternative Countries to Source From in 2025

Key Summary

• Diversifying sourcing beyond China in 2025 is critical due to tariffs, rising labor costs, and global supply chain disruptions. 🌍
• Trusted sourcing platforms like Alibaba, Global Sources, IndiaMART, ThomasNet, and Flexport help connect sellers with verified suppliers worldwide. 🔎
• Vietnam, India, and Mexico are leading sourcing alternatives, offering cost-effective labor, trade advantages, and growing infrastructure. 🚀
• Bangladesh, Turkey, Poland, Thailand, Indonesia, and South Korea provide unique category strengths from apparel to high-tech manufacturing. 🏭
• A summary table highlights each country’s industries, costs, infrastructure, and best-fit Amazon/Walmart categories. 📊
• Best practices include reviewing certifications, ordering samples, clarifying logistics, protecting intellectual property, and using agencies like Li & Fung or AQF for quality assurance. ✅
• Once suppliers are secured, businesses can scale their brand with Be Bold Digital’s expertise in Amazon and Walmart SEO, PPC, and content optimization. 💡

Why Is It Vital to Diversify Sourcing?

For decades, China was the world’s factory, with various industries heavily relying on products coming out of the country. However, in 2025, the landscape has continually shifted. With rising tariffs, stricter trade regulations, labor cost increases, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain disruptions, sellers are now exposed to the increasing risks of depending on only one country as their supplier.

According to S&P Global, this has led to the rise of “China Plus One” and “Anything But China (ABC)” sourcing strategies. Today, sellers, especially in Amazon and Walmart, are diversifying suppliers to:

• Reduce tariff impacts on sourcing.
• Lower costs with competitive alternatives.
• Improve supply chain resilience.
• Access niche product expertise.
• Tap into new free trade agreements (e.g., USMCA, CPTPP, EU-Vietnam FTA)

With that foundation, let’s look at the practical ways Amazon sellers can actually find reliable non-China suppliers.

Platforms to Find Suppliers Outside of China

Finding vetted suppliers globally is easier than ever with trusted sourcing platforms, especially for brands planning to sell globally on Amazon. These platforms not only connect you to manufacturers but also reduce risk through verification and transparency:

Alibaba

Still the largest global B2B marketplace, Alibaba connects sellers with suppliers in 190+ countries. While it’s China-heavy, it remains a go-to for initial searches. Sellers should request samples and check certifications to avoid risks.

Global Sources

A trusted marketplace with 1.5M verified suppliers, Global Sources specializes in machinery, electronics, and consumer goods. Its Verified Badge ensures credibility. It also provides industry insights, analytics, and regional filtering tools.

IndiaMART

IndiaMART is India’s largest B2B platform (60% market share) offering textiles, jewelry, and pharmaceuticals. It’s free for buyers and offers a “Post Your Requirement” tool to match suppliers. Best for small businesses but expect longer lead times.

ThomasNet

Focused on North American suppliers, ThomasNet is ideal for nearshoring. Strong in machinery, plastics, and metals, with advanced filtering for certifications and production capacity. It highlights Mexico and Colombia as fast-growing sourcing hubs.

Wholesale Central

Wholesale Center is a U.S.-based wholesale directory with pre-vetted suppliers, bulk deals, and surplus inventory. Particularly valuable for Amazon FBA sellers looking for discounted stock.

Flexport

Flexport is a digital-first logistics and sourcing company. Beyond freight forwarding, Flexport helps Amazon sellers identify vetted international suppliers and streamline global operations with real-time analytics.

Dragon Sourcing

Dragon Sourcing specializes in global procurement, particularly in Asia. It offers supplier qualification, cost analysis, and negotiation support.

Asia Quality Focus (AQF)

Asia Quality Focus focuses on quality assurance by providing factory audits, inspections, and compliance checks to minimize risk when sourcing outside China.

Li & Fung

A global sourcing leader with an extensive network across Asia, Latin America, and Africa, Li & Fung offers end-to-end product development, sourcing, and compliance management.

These platforms provide the starting point, but knowing where to look geographically is equally critical.

Top Alternative Sourcing Countries

The countries below are among the most promising sourcing destinations for 2025, each with unique strengths and challenges.

Vietnam Sourcing

Vietnam has rapidly risen as a key sourcing destination as companies diversify away from China. The country has invested heavily in ports and industrial zones, while enjoying trade agreements like CPTPP and EVFTA that open doors to major Western markets. For Amazon and Walmart sellers, Vietnam combines affordability with strong specialization in categories that consistently sell online.

• Strengths: Electronics, footwear, textiles, outdoor gear, and furniture.
  
  
• Advantages: Labor costs are roughly half of China’s in some sectors, while trade deals like CPTPP and EVFTA give exporters favorable access to the U.S. and EU. Ports and logistics are improving, making exports smoother.
  
  
• Challenges: Heavy reliance on China for raw materials and sub-components, which can increase costs and lead times. Infrastructure is still developing compared to China.

India Sourcing

India’s transformation into a manufacturing contender has been accelerated by its “Make in India” initiative and recent moves by global tech giants like Apple. With its vast labor pool and English-speaking workforce, India is becoming a go-to option for sellers who want cost savings plus access to one of the world’s largest domestic markets.

• Strengths: Textiles, jewelry, pharmaceuticals, IT services, automotive, and consumer electronics.
  
  
• Advantages: Large English-speaking workforce, competitive pricing, and a vast domestic market for raw materials. Global tech giants like Apple are already moving supply chains here.
  
  
• Challenges: Logistics and ports can cause delays, and infrastructure is less efficient than in East Asia. Bureaucratic red tape also remains a concern.

Mexico Sourcing

Mexico has emerged as a nearshoring powerhouse, overtaking China as the top U.S. exporter in 2023. Its proximity allows U.S. brands to slash shipping times and costs, while the USMCA agreement streamlines trade. For Amazon sellers, Mexico’s strength lies in its ability to combine low costs with speed to market.

• Strengths: Automotive, aerospace, electronics, appliances, plastics.
  
  
• Advantages: Proximity to the U.S. reduces shipping times to days instead of weeks. USMCA trade agreement lowers tariffs. Shared language and culture with the U.S. ease communication.
  
  
• Challenges: Some regions face security concerns and bureaucratic hurdles.

Bangladesh Sourcing

Bangladesh has become synonymous with affordable apparel production. Known as the world’s second-largest garment exporter, it has strong government backing and incentives that make it attractive to global brands. Amazon sellers focused on fashion basics and private-label apparel can find highly competitive pricing here.

• Strengths: Garments, apparel, leather goods, and footwear.
  
  
• Advantages: Second-largest garment exporter worldwide, strong government export incentives, and skilled labor in textiles.
  
  
• Challenges: Limited diversification outside textiles, political instability, and occasional labor disputes. Infrastructure constraints also persist.

Turkey Sourcing

With its strategic position straddling Europe and Asia, Turkey has long been a bridge for global trade. Its EU Customs Union membership provides duty-free access to European buyers, making it an appealing option for fast fashion and quick-turnaround categories.

• Strengths: Textiles, apparel, home goods, automotive, and electronics.
  
  
• Advantages: EU Customs Union enables duty-free trade with Europe. Competitive costs, short lead times, and skilled workforce.
  
  
• Challenges: Currency volatility, political instability, and regional security risks.

Poland Sourcing

As an EU hub, Poland offers high-quality manufacturing with easy access to Western markets. With its strong infrastructure and skilled labor force, it’s increasingly appealing for sellers who need compliance with EU standards and a dependable logistics base.

• Strengths: Electronics, automotive parts, industrial machinery.
  
  
• Advantages: EU membership, high-skilled labor, modern infrastructure, and quick access to European consumers.
  
  
• Challenges: Costs are higher compared to Asia, making it better for premium or compliance-sensitive categories.

Thailand Sourcing

Thailand’s established manufacturing sector has attracted steady foreign investment, particularly in electronics and auto parts. Its central location in Southeast Asia also makes it a gateway to the region’s growing markets.

• Strengths: Electronics, automotive parts, food products, and high-tech goods.
  
  
• Advantages: Government incentives, strong logistics, and central location in Southeast Asia. High manufacturing standards.
  
  
• Challenges: Natural disasters such as floods can disrupt production; bureaucracy can slow processes.

Indonesia Sourcing

Indonesia is gaining attention as both a volume manufacturer and a source of unique, story-driven products like batik textiles and bamboo furniture. Its vast labor force and improving infrastructure make it a compelling alternative for brands looking to differentiate.

• Strengths: Furniture, textiles, crafts, footwear, and agricultural products.
  
  
• Advantages: Large labor force, low wages, and growing infrastructure. Story-driven, handmade goods like batik and bamboo furniture provide brand differentiation.
  
  
• Challenges: Geographic fragmentation across islands complicates logistics. Infrastructure is improving but uneven.

South Korea Sourcing

South Korea is best suited for premium categories, where brand equity and innovation matter. Known for K-beauty, semiconductors, and advanced robotics, the country provides access to cutting-edge products and strong intellectual property protection.

• Strengths: Beauty and skincare (K-beauty), semiconductors, robotics, automotive, and high-tech electronics.
  
  
• Advantages: Excellent IP protection, cutting-edge R&D, advanced logistics, and reputation for high-quality products. Ideal for sellers wanting to enter premium niches.
  
  
• Challenges: Higher production and labor costs than in Southeast Asia; language and cultural nuances may require local partnerships.

When comparing these countries, a quick overview table can help sellers decide where to focus.

The table highlights key comparisons and category fit, but sourcing success depends on vetting and partnership quality as much as on country selection.

Best Practices for Vetting Non-China Suppliers

Before committing to a new supplier, businesses should follow these critical steps to reduce risk and ensure consistent quality.

Review certification and supplier credentials.

Check for ISO certifications, export licenses, Verified Badges, and past export experience to ensure legitimacy. Platforms like Global Sources and ThomasNet highlight suppliers with strong compliance and regulatory credentials, which lowers risk.

Order and evaluate samples.

Always test product quality before scaling orders. Inspect durability, materials, packaging, and compliance with local safety standards. Many sourcing veterans advise ordering from multiple suppliers to compare consistency before committing to a larger minimum order quantity (MOQ).

Clarify minimum order quantities, payment terms, logistics.

Miscommunication is common. Align expectations on MOQs, pricing, Incoterms (FOB, CIF, DDP), and payment security. Clarify lead times and shipping routes, since sourcing outside China often involves longer transit or multiple ports. Consider how trade agreements (like USMCA or CPTPP) affect costs and delivery.

Protect intellectual property.

Ensure that you implement NDAs, strong contracts, and IP protection strategies. This is critical in countries with less mature legal frameworks. South Korea and Mexico offer stronger IP environments, whereas in developing markets you may need stricter contractual safeguards.

Conduct site visits and audits.

Whenever possible, visit the supplier’s factory or hire a third-party inspection agency to confirm capabilities and working conditions. This is a recommended best practice from multiple sourcing experts and helps avoid surprises with quality or capacity. Using analytics for supplier tracking also helps you keep track of all the activities involving your supplier.

Consider using sourcing agencies for QC and communication support

Agencies like AQF, Li & Fung, Dragon Sourcing, and Flexport bridge language gaps, negotiate better deals, and conduct factory audits. They also help manage logistics, ensure compliance, and maintain transparent supplier communication across regions. While working with agencies will incur additional costs, you will have better peace of mind knowing that you’re lowering the risks of chargeback, losing sales, and missing crucial communication from your suppliers.

Applying these practices not only protects your investment but also ensures your business is set up for long-term success.

Start Diversifying Sourcing Today

Diversifying sourcing outside of China is no longer optional, it’s now a strategic necessity in 2025. Sellers now have a wide range of choices, from Vietnam and India’s cost-effective labor to Mexico’s nearshoring advantages and South Korea’s premium manufacturing. By using trusted platforms, carefully vetting suppliers, and leveraging agencies to manage quality and logistics, businesses can build more resilient and profitable supply chains.

Once you’ve secured reliable suppliers, the next step is scaling your brand. That’s where Be Bold Digital comes in. We specialize in helping Amazon and Walmart sellers elevate their presence through listing optimization, PPC advertising, SEO, and creative design. With supply chain risks managed, you can focus on brand growth—and we’ll help you turn those products into bestsellers.

Schedule a call with us today, and let us help you bring your brand to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which countries are emerging as viable alternatives to China for sourcing?

Vietnam, India, Mexico, Bangladesh, and Turkey are emerging as top alternatives. Additionally, Poland, Indonesia, and South Korea are gaining ground in this arena.

What are the trade-offs when sourcing outside China?

When sourcing from outside China, businesses may face trade-offs such as longer lead times, less reliable supply chains, and heightened theft risks in certain markets. However, China still provides unmatched scale and efficiency.

Are there useful tools to research where competitors source from?

Absolutely. Tools like ImportYeti, Jungle Scout’s Supplier Database, and Panjiva can help uncover the supplier networks your competitors utilize.

Which alternative countries are mentioned for sourcing furniture and home goods?

Strong choices for sourcing furniture and home goods include Vietnam, Indonesia, Turkey, and Poland.

 Can North America be a viable alternative for sourcing?

Yes, the U.S. and Mexico are becoming increasingly competitive, especially with the rise of nearshoring and reshoring incentives.

What keyword strategies help when searching for non-China manufacturers?

To find non-China manufacturers, use specific product and country-based keywords (like “Vietnam furniture manufacturer” or “India jewelry supplier”) and include trust indicators such as “ISO certified” or “export ready”.

What are some of the best countries for manufacturing relocation?

Top contenders for manufacturing relocation include Vietnam, India, Mexico, Indonesia, and Poland, thanks to their cost advantages, trade agreements, and skilled labor force.

What factors should businesses consider when choosing a relocation destination?

Businesses should consider key factors such as labor costs, trade agreements, logistics infrastructure, industry specialization, and political stability when choosing a relocation destination.