Tariffs got you sweating? You’re not alone.
With the U.S. slapping a huge tariff on Chinese goods, sourcing from China just got a whole lot more expensive. That means thinner margins and higher landed costs before you even get to Amazon’s fees.
No wonder Amazon sellers are panicking. How do you price competitively without tanking your profits?
Here’s the good news: You have options. We’ve compiled a list of 20 alternative manufacturing countries worth considering to help you adapt and stay competitive.
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Why Sellers Are Looking Beyond China
President Trump announced a steep 145% tariff on Chinese imports, sparking serious concern among U.S. businesses. This policy move has especially impacted Amazon sellers who rely heavily on sourcing from China.
With freight orders being canceled and shipping costs skyrocketing, many sellers are scrambling to adjust. However, raising prices could scare off customers, and absorbing the costs might wipe out their margins.
Small businesses, in particular, are hit hard because they can’t predict final costs until goods arrive. That level of uncertainty makes planning and pricing extremely difficult.
That’s why many sellers are now exploring alternative sourcing options. Whether short-term or permanent, shifting away from China can help protect your margins and keep your business competitive.
20 Alternative Manufacturing Countries to China
To save you time and effort, our Amazon agency has done the research for you. Here’s a list of the best manufacturing countries for Amazon sellers across various product categories.
1. Vietnam
Vietnam has become a major alternative to China due to its low labor costs, industry expertise, and proximity to China. The country is especially popular in sectors like electronics and textiles, making it a reliable sourcing hub for businesses targeting cost-effective and scalable production.
Key Sourcing Categories from Vietnam:
- Apparel: Key producer for global fashion brands
- Footwear: Major exporter of shoes, particularly athletic styles
- Electronics: Growing sector with significant foreign investment
- Furniture: Increasingly important supplier for the global market
2. India
India offers a skilled workforce, strong technical base, and cost-effective production, making it ideal for diversifying supply chains. Its large-scale manufacturing and English proficiency help streamline communication, despite infrastructure challenges.
Key Sourcing Categories from India:
- Textiles: Leading global exporter of cotton and garments
- Footwear: Strong leather and synthetic shoe production
- Electronics: Expanding manufacturing base for mobile phones and components
- Pharmaceuticals: Known for a large generics industry
3. Mexico
Mexico is an attractive choice for US sellers due to its proximity, reducing shipping costs and lead times. The US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) adds tariff-free benefits, and its skilled labor force supports a variety of sectors.
Key Sourcing Categories from Mexico:
- Automotive: Major supplier of cars and auto parts, especially to the U.S
- Electronics: Key player in electronics and appliance manufacturing
- Medical Devices: A fast-growing export sector
- Aerospace: Increasing production of aircraft components
4. Malaysia
Malaysia’s strong infrastructure and multilingual workforce make it an ideal choice for electronics and high-tech manufacturing. The country’s specialization in semiconductors and precision manufacturing is particularly beneficial for businesses in the electronics sector.
Key Sourcing Categories from Malaysia:
- Electronics: Leading producer of semiconductors and other electronic components
- Medical Devices: Notable export sector, with high demand worldwide
- Machinery: Manufacturer of industrial and electrical equipment
- Automotive Parts: A growing player in the automotive supply chain
5. Thailand
Thailand has become a reliable hub for automotive and electrical goods, benefiting from strong infrastructure and government support. Its Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and competitive manufacturing costs make it an attractive sourcing destination for US sellers.
Key Sourcing Categories from Thailand:
- Automotive: A significant automotive production hub in Asia
- Electronics: Notable in semiconductor and consumer electronics manufacturing
- Food Processing: Strong export market for processed food
- Textiles: Competitive manufacturing sector, especially in garments
6. Indonesia
Indonesia stands out for its natural resources and craftsmanship, offering unique products at competitive prices. It’s ideal for sourcing distinctive goods not widely available elsewhere, although logistics can be challenging due to its island geography.
Key Sourcing Categories from Indonesia:
- Footwear: Major supplier for global shoe brands
- Textiles: Strong production capacity for garments and fabrics
- Electronics: Expanding presence in consumer electronics manufacturing
- Furniture: Known for teak wood, rattan, and export-quality craftsmanship
7. Bangladesh
Bangladesh is a top destination for fashion and textile manufacturing due to low labor costs and specialized apparel production. Its growing infrastructure and government export incentives make it highly cost-effective for large-scale sourcing.
Key Sourcing Categories from Bangladesh:
- Textiles: Among the world’s top garment exporters with full-scale manufacturing capabilities
- Footwear: Expanding rapidly, especially in leather-based shoes and goods
8. Turkey
With its strategic location connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa, Turkey offers reduced shipping costs and faster delivery times. Its diverse industrial base and membership in the EU Customs Union make it an attractive sourcing destination for businesses.
Key Sourcing Categories from Turkey:
- Textiles: Known for quality fabrics and fast fashion
- Automotive: Growing sector for vehicles and components
- Machinery: Reliable producer of industrial equipment
- Food Products: Olive oil, dried fruits, and nuts
9. Italy
Italy is known for premium craftsmanship and design, making it a top choice for high-end products. Its location in Europe offers advantages for logistics, especially for businesses targeting EU markets.
Key Sourcing Categories from Italy:
- Fashion: High-end apparel and accessories
- Footwear: Premium leather shoes known for durability
- Automotive: Luxury vehicles and precision auto parts
- Machinery: Trusted source for industrial machinery
10. United States
The US offers high-quality and innovative manufacturing across various industries, providing businesses with advantages like faster lead times and reduced liability risks. Sourcing from the US can be particularly beneficial for sellers targeting the North American market.
Key Sourcing Categories from the United States:
- Aerospace: Leading producer of commercial and military aircraft
- Medical Devices: Trusted source of innovative medical equipment
- Automotive: Manufacturer of both luxury and mass-market vehicles
- Pharmaceuticals: Global leader in drug development and production
- Apparel: Focus on technical and performance-driven clothing
11. Germany
Germany is renowned for its precision engineering and high-quality production, making it a strong alternative to China for high-end goods. For US sellers, its geographic proximity to Europe and reputation for durability and quality make it an appealing sourcing option.
Key Sourcing Categories from Germany:
- Automotive: Renowned for luxury vehicles and engineering excellence
- Machinery: Known for high-precision industrial machinery
- Pharmaceuticals: Leading producer of medicines globally
- Medical Devices: Significant exporter of advanced medical technologies
12. Switzerland
Switzerland is synonymous with high quality, especially in luxury goods and technology. Its strong reputation for precision engineering, particularly in watchmaking and medical devices, makes it a valuable source for differentiated products.
Key Sourcing Categories from Switzerland:
- Pharmaceuticals: Known for cutting-edge drug manufacturing
- Medical Devices: Specializes in high-precision medical equipment
- Luxury Goods: Renowned for premium watches and jewelry
13. Poland
Poland is strategically located for faster shipping to both the US and EU markets, reducing lead times and operational costs. Its high-quality production and membership in the EU make it an attractive option for sellers looking to source European-made goods.
Key Sourcing Categories from Poland:
- Automotive: Significant manufacturer of cars and parts
- Machinery: Strong industrial equipment production
- Chemicals: Supplier of industrial chemicals in Europe
14. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic offers high-quality manufacturing and strong logistical advantages within Europe. Its location makes it an appealing option for businesses targeting European customers with faster shipping and competitive production costs.
Key Sourcing Categories from the Czech Republic:
- Automotive: Renowned for vehicle manufacturing
- Machinery: Expertise in industrial machinery
- Electronics: Expanding consumer and industrial electronics sector
15. Brazil
Brazil offers a diverse range of sourcing opportunities, particularly for businesses looking for differentiated, regionally inspired products. With a growing e-commerce market and strong local manufacturing capabilities, Brazil provides unique products that stand out from typical sourcing regions.
Key Sourcing Categories from Brazil:
- Footwear: Known for leather and casual footwear
- Automotive: Domestic manufacturing of cars and parts
- Food Processing: Strong export of processed food
16. Pakistan
Pakistan offers compelling advantages for US Amazon sellers, particularly those seeking niche products and cost-effective sourcing options. Known for its strong presence in textiles, apparel manufacturing, and leather goods, Pakistan is ideal for businesses targeting specialized markets or requiring culturally sensitive product offerings.
Key Sourcing Categories from Pakistan:
- Textiles: Leading producer of cotton textiles and garments
- Pharmaceuticals: Expanding generics industry
- Footwear: Known for quality leather footwear
17. Russia
Sourcing from Russia offers a unique set of advantages, particularly for US sellers looking to diversify their supply chain and reduce risks tied to China. By sourcing from Russia, sellers can mitigate disruptions, tariffs, and other challenges impacting profitability.
Key Sourcing Categories from Russia:
- Machinery: Specializes in heavy industrial and energy-related equipment
- Military Equipment: Leading exporter of defense products
- Energy Equipment: Known for oil and gas machinery production
18. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia presents a unique opportunity for Amazon sellers looking to diversify their supply chains and access new markets outside of China. With a growing e-commerce market and abundant natural resources, sourcing from Saudi Arabia can help reduce dependence on traditional manufacturing hubs and mitigate risks.
Key Sourcing Categories from Saudi Arabia:
- Petrochemicals: A dominant industry for energy-based manufacturing
- Energy Equipment: Specializes in oil and gas machinery
- Food Processing: Emerging sector for food product manufacturing
19. South Africa
South Africa offers a promising alternative for Amazon sellers looking to diversify their sourcing options. The country’s lower labor costs, combined with abundant natural resources, provide an opportunity for affordable production while maintaining high-quality standards.
Key Sourcing Categories from South Africa:
- Automotive: Significant regional car production
- Machinery: Industrial machinery manufacturing
- Food Processing: Supplier of processed foods across Africa
20. Ireland
Ireland’s strategic location in Europe provides significant advantages for US-based Amazon sellers, including faster shipping times and improved delivery speed to US customers.
Key Sourcing Categories from Ireland:
- Pharmaceuticals: Major hub for global pharmaceutical production
- Medical Devices: Focus on high-quality medical products
Exploring Alternatives to China: FAQs for US Amazon Sellers
How do I source products outside of China?
Start by identifying your product category and researching countries that specialize in that industry. Use sourcing platforms like GlobalSources, IndiaMART, and ImportGenius to find suppliers. Trade shows (virtual or in-person), sourcing agents, and referrals also help.
Where do I find alternatives to Chinese products?
Look at alternative manufacturing hubs in India, Vietnam, Mexico, and Malaysia for general consumer goods. For specialty products, consider countries like Italy (fashion), Turkey (textiles), or Poland (machinery). Always request samples and conduct quality checks.
What are some alternative Asian countries to source products from?
Vietnam, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia are among the strongest. They offer cost-effective labor, growing infrastructure, and sector-specific strengths like textiles, electronics, and furniture.
Which country can replace China in manufacturing?
No one country will fully replace China, but India, Vietnam, and Mexico are leading the shift. They’ve attracted significant foreign investment and are scaling up quickly to meet global demand.
Is it more expensive to source outside of China?
Not always. While unit costs may be higher in some countries, reduced tariffs, faster shipping, and lower risk of disruption can offset the difference.
Having Trouble Sourcing from China? You’ve Got Options
Change is inevitable in the world of Amazon selling, and the key to success is knowing how to adapt. While the new tariffs have created challenges, staying calm and looking for solutions will help you keep your business on track.
We hope this guide has helped you handle the impact of tariff changes and find new sourcing options. If you’re still unsure about how to move forward, contact our Amazon agency and talk to our experts today!