Are you tired of Sourcing from Alibaba for your FBA Business? If you're sourcing products for Amazon, use this guide to find alternatives to Alibaba for FBA product Sourcing.

In the expansive universe of online global trade and e-commerce, Alibaba has long stood as a towering figure, offering many products and suppliers worldwide. However, with the ever-increasing demand for diversity in sourcing options, exploring alternatives to Alibaba has become a strategic necessity for businesses. Whether driven by the need for niche products, regional suppliers, better pricing structures, or quality differentiation, the search for Alibaba alternatives is not just about finding another platform but discovering new avenues and opportunities in the global marketplace.

In this article, we dive into the world of the 30 best Alibaba alternatives from various corners of the globe. Each platform brings unique strengths and specialties, catering to business needs and market demands. From well-established marketplaces with a global presence to emerging platforms offering specialized products or regional focus, these alternatives to Alibaba represent the diverse landscape of global e-commerce and supply chain management.

We will explore a variety of platforms, some known for their vast product range and others for their focus on specific industries like electronics, textiles, or handcrafted goods. This comprehensive overview will include platforms from major trading nations and highlight hidden gems from smaller markets, offering unique products and advantageous business conditions.

Join us on this global journey as we unveil a world beyond Alibaba, where each alternative platform offers distinct possibilities and new pathways for businesses looking to expand their sourcing strategies. Whether you're a small startup, a growing SME, or an established multinational corporation, this article promises to provide valuable insights into the diverse world of global online marketplaces.

Mainland China Sourcing

Alibaba

Let's get Alibaba out of the way. Alibaba was founded in 1999 and has become China's largest publicly traded company. While it has expanded into payment systems, cloud computing, and venture capital, its core business is still online sales via the main website. Alibaba has a presence in over 200 countries and is the largest retailer globally, surprising Amazon, eBay, and Walmart combined. Alibaba isn't limited to just China; if you want to source from another country, use the country filters in the search.

DHGate

DHgate differentiates itself from other platforms by having an online payment system that only pays the seller once the buyer has received the goods. Escrow systems like this are very well-liked by foreign buyers. The website also tends to have smaller MOQs (Minimum order quantities) than other platforms.

Made In China

Made in China, like Alibaba, it is a platform where suppliers can create a profile. However, it does not have as extensive a selection, and the quality control could be better.

OFweek

OFweek focuses on Electronics, tech, and other high-tech goods. OFweek has an excellent design that is easier to navigate than most Chinese websites. Almost all goods sold on this website are finished goods; however, you may be able to get in direct touch with the manufacturer to make some basic customization of your products.

AliExpress

AliExpress, founded in 2010, allows international buyers to buy directly from Chinese sellers like its big brother, Alibaba. However, the difference between the two is that AliExpress is comprised of small shops selling much smaller quantities than Alibaba. On AliExpress, almost everyone you deal with is a Trading Company or a wholesaler, and you rarely deal with actual manufacturers. However, many people prefer buying from AliExpress over Alibaba due to the smaller MOQs and the fact that payments and shipping are integrated into the platform.

AliExpress also has an affiliate marketing program that is very popular with Drop Shippers. So, if you want to start a dropshipping business or source products for dropshipping, I recommend starting with AliExpress.

1688.com

Yet another website in Alibaba's massive arsenal. 1688.com is a Chinese-language site that is geared only toward the Chinese market. Regardless, it is one of the three sites (along with Alibaba and Global Sources) we use for almost every project. Its main appeal is that the companies listed are of much higher quality, and you are much more likely to get in touch directly with a manufacturer than if you were using Alibaba. However, the website is only available in Mandarin Chinese and has no English language options.

DIY Trade

Features over 5 million products on a clean, English-language website. While DIY Trade does not have much to differentiate itself from others, it is worth checking out to get more names on your list.

ECVV

Seeks to be a more full-service sourcing provider than most and provides additional services such as logistics. In addition, they claim to focus on creating more long-term trade relationships than other platforms. While that claim isn't fully realized, I appreciate the effort. The website has several good resources beyond finding suppliers.

Make Polo

Yet another sizeable Chinese directory. Make Polo claims to have a more advanced search engine for finding factories. Their revenue model is a pay-per-click business model in which the factory pays them every time you click a link.

EC Plaza

Since 1996, EC Plaza has had over 1,000,000 members and operates a B2B website, EDI service, Trade Consulting, and offline services for SMEs.

Gong Chang

Gong Chang specializes in heavy machinery and industrial equipment, making it an excellent resource for purchasing equipment to start manufacturing.

Doba

Doba has several similarities to Alibaba but is specifically focused on drop shipping. The way you find suppliers is the same as Alibaba or any other database, but what is different is the way the ordering works. Doba allows drop shippers to list products on your drop-shipping store, and when you make a sale, you order from the supplier with your customer's information, and Doba will handle the payments and shipping for you. Another cool feature is that Doba lets you keep the price differential. Finally, we should note that Doba is a paid service with a minimal free trial.

Vietnam Sourcing

Vietnam Export

Vietnam Export is an excellent modern website that maintains an extensive database of verified factories in Vietnam. The website is endorsed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam. The website is much better than the others due to the quality and quantity of suppliers. In addition to the database, they provide some industry-specific information for Vietnam. The website also promotes agricultural products such as coffee and lychee, which is uncommon among other websites.

Vietnam Manufacturers

In 2009, Vietnam Manufacturers started as a trade journal to promote Vietnamese companies and business interests worldwide. They have since expanded and now provide a large searchable database, trade show promotions, and industry-specific publications.

VTown

Vtown. vn is owned by the Japanese company Washin Engine Co. and is a database of Japanese companies that do business and manufacturing in Vietnam. Regardless, they maintain an excellent database of Vietnamese-based manufacturers and factories. The website is in English and easy to search. Since the factories in their database are largely Japanese-managed, you tend to find manufacturers with much higher quality control. I have used this database and found good suppers through them.

VietnamAZ

VietnamAZ is made for American companies looking to buy and do business in Vietnam. They maintain an extensive database of suppliers that is searchable by categories. Unfortunately, the layout is outdated and not as big as other resources.

VietnameseMade.com

VietnameseMade is another manufacturer database that focuses on the Vietnamese market. It is a B2B trade portal that helps connect buyers worldwide to sellers in Vietnam.

VCCI News

While the website mainly provides news to Vietnamese exporters, it maintains a directory of businesses in Vietnam. Unfortunately, the directory is simple and organized by category, so it's not easy to use.

Global Sourcing

Global Sources

Global sources are one of the three websites (along with Alibaba and 1688) I recommend for every project. Global Sources is a Hong Kong-based company that provides a very well-vetted list of suppliers and puts on several trade shows. Merle A. Hinrichs started global sources in 1960 and published its first supplier databases on CD-Roms. Global Sources also runs a sourcing trade show that runs in the gaps of the Canton Fair.

Global Sources' main draw is that they do a much better job with supplier quality control. The website is made for English speakers, is clean, and much easier to navigate and use than Alibaba. Global Sources also provides several tools to help you organize quotes.

OctoPart

It is excellent for finding electronic components, but you must have a complete product designed and know your exact components' specifications. This site is geared towards engineers and those with advanced technical knowledge. Nonetheless, we have used it to find suppliers for our clients. Octopart is based in the US and maintains a global database of manufacturers.

List The

It strives to be a straightforward search engine to find factories. You put in the product you want, and they will immediately create a list of 10 factories for you. It's a fun tool but ultimately overly simplistic for actual use.

Tradekey

Based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and founded in 2006, Tradekey is a large international Electronic Marketplace that connects buyers, wholesalers, manufacturers, and distributors in over 240 countries.

go4WorldBusiness

Go4WorldBusiness is a genuinely global online B2B marketplace where you can find manufacturers, exporters, suppliers, and more. It was founded in 2007 and does a great job targeting smaller markets underserved by existing B2B marketplaces. These include places like Sri Lanka, Bolivia, and other hard-to-source countries. Go4WorldBusiness is based in New Delhi, India, and is an excellent place for Indian manufacturers to start.

TradeBoss.com

They were founded in 2002. TradeBoss is an international-focused B2B marketplace. The interface is incredibly outdated, and the database is much smaller than others, but it can search by country and has several smaller countries listed. TradeBoss is a good resource if you search for a supplier in a small and underserved country.

Hong Kong Sourcing

Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)

This service is operated directly by Hong Kong's Government and connects over 130,000 Hong Kong-based companies to international buyers. Even though Hong Kong does not have much manufacturing anymore, many mainland factories will have a Hong Kong corporate office. This is a good alternative for those who want to take advantage of Chinese manufacturers but want the protection and legal environment of Hong Kong.

Taiwan Sourcing

Taiwantrade

Taiwan's government set Taiwantrade in 2002 to be Taiwan's official trade website. Taiwan's Bureau of Foreign Trade manages Taiwantrade; the Taiwan External Trade Development Council operates the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Taiwan Trade has over 60 offices worldwide and has a massive searchable database of Taiwanese manufacturers.

B2B Manufacturers

It is a sizeable Taiwan-based Database of Taiwanese suppliers. It has a similar layout to Alibaba but is for Taiwanese manufacturers. If you are interested in sourcing products outside of Mainland China, I recommend you check it out.

B2B China Sources

Ran by the same company as B2B Manufacturers, B2B China Source helps connect buyers with manufacturers in the Republic of China (aka Taiwan) and mainland China. They claim to offer Chinese prices with Taiwanese quality, which you can interpret as you like.

South Korea Sourcing

EC21

EC21 was started initially to connect international buyers to Korean companies. While Korea is still its primary focus, you can use EC21 to find a supplier in other countries. EC21 maintains the largest database of Korean Manufacturers in the world. EC21 is one of the world's largest online B2B marketplaces, connecting millions of suppliers and buyers worldwide. Since 1997, EC21.com has facilitated global trade opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises and has over 2 million member companies, 7 million products, 3.5 million buyers in its database, and 3.5 million monthly visitors.

American Sourcing

Maker’s Row

Maker’s Row is a Brooklyn, NY-based database of American Manufacturers and product-based businesses. The company was initially created to connect fashion and leather goods buyers with US manufacturers but has expanded to a wide range of industries. As a result, it is probably one of the largest databases of American manufacturers and suppliers.

MFG

More focused on finding contract manufacturers and rental time on machine space than finished products. Nonetheless, if you need to find a manufacturer with a CNC machine, you can find one and contract with them. While they list manufacturers worldwide, we estimate that over half of their suppliers are in the United States. This site is focused mainly on American manufacturers, so it is an excellent resource for finding a US-based supplier. This is a great tool for those who have a complete product design and want to handle the manufacturing themselves.

Thomasnet

Thomas Net is a good tool that Includes Mexico and Canada. Thomas has been around for 120 years and started as a B2B register to help buyers find suppliers. Thomas claims over 500,000 suppliers and over 1 million buyers use their service. Unfortunately, Thomas’s information is hidden behind a paywall, but they offer a free trial.

What’s missing?

This list will be complete and cover the best Alibaba alternatives globally. I’m particularly interested in finding more suppliers in India and Latin America. So, if you have any good websites or resources I should check out and add, please add them in the comments. Thanks for reading, and I hope this was helpful.

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The Best Alibaba Alternatives List // 50+ Top Product Sourcing Websites Like Alibaba Globally