The current political climate and global health crisis have disrupted many aspects of the supply chain, including sourcing from China. For ecommerce businesses, this means finding alternative sourcing solutions outside of China. One potential solution is sourcing from Latin America, which offers a growing consumer market and proximity advantages.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of sourcing from Latin America, how to start sourcing from the region, and other potential sourcing options outside of China.


Time Stamps


0:00:00 | "Exploring Sourcing from China with Will Bastard of Ascend Cap Ventures"




0:03:05 | Exploring the Challenges and Opportunities of Sourcing from Latin America with Will




0:03:38 | Exploring the Benefits of Manufacturing in Latin America for Businesses




0:07:06 | Exploring the Benefits of Sourcing from Latin America for US Businesses




0:09:07 | Exploring Opportunities in Latin America: Networking Strategies for Business Owners




0:10:03 | Exploring Alternatives to China for Sourcing and Manufacturing




0:14:13 | Discussion on US-China Relations and Dependence on China in Asia




0:15:39 | Interview with Will Bastian of Ascend Cap Ventures: Global Sourcing and Starting an Ecommerce Business on Amazon in 2023 and Beyond



The Challenges of Sourcing from China
China has been a dominant force in the global manufacturing industry for decades, with many businesses relying on China for their sourcing needs. However, recent events have highlighted the potential risks and challenges of relying solely on China for sourcing.

Geopolitical tensions between China and other countries, such as the United States, can lead to trade barriers, tariffs, and other disruptions. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused logistical and supply chain issues, such as factory shutdowns and delays in shipping.
Sourcing from Latin America
As China sourcing becomes more challenging, many businesses are turning to Latin America as an alternative. The region offers several advantages, including a growing consumer market and proximity to the United States.

Tampa Bay in Florida, for example, is a popular location for businesses sourcing from Latin America due to its proximity to ports and transportation infrastructure. While labor costs may be slightly higher than in China, other factors, such as reduced lead times, can offset this cost.

Other potential sourcing locations outside of China include Southeast Asia and India. Vietnam, in particular, has emerged as a strong alternative to China, with a growing manufacturing sector and a relatively stable political climate.
Starting to Source from Latin America
If you’re interested in sourcing from Latin America, it’s important to know the right people. Networking events, trade shows, and conferences can be valuable resources for making connections with potential suppliers and partners.

One way to start building relationships is to attend industry events in Latin America, such as the eCommerce Summit in Buenos Aires or the Latin American Ecommerce Forum in Santiago. These events can provide opportunities to meet with local suppliers and distributors and learn about the region’s ecommerce market.

It’s also important to have a clear understanding of the regulatory and legal requirements for sourcing from Latin America. This may include understanding customs regulations, import/export requirements, and taxes and tariffs.
Mitigating Sourcing Risk
One of the challenges of sourcing from outside China is the potential risk of supply chain disruptions. To mitigate this risk, it’s important to diversify your sourcing options and avoid concentrating your supply chain in just one region.

This may involve sourcing from multiple countries or regions, or even sourcing from different suppliers within the same region. Additionally, it’s important to have contingency plans in place to address any supply c...