The market for handmade products on Amazon is growing rapidly. A 2019 survey by Tinuiti found that 23% of Amazon shoppers frequently look to buy new products or brands on the platform. Most of these shoppers hope to find unique or specialty items they can’t find in traditional retail stores.
With e-commerce trends shifting toward personalization and authenticity, Amazon USA website sellers who offer handcrafted products have a major advantage in capturing a loyal customer base.
Jeff Bezos himself once said, “If you do build a great experience, customers tell each other about that. Word of mouth is very powerful.” Handmade products naturally generate word-of-mouth marketing because customers love sharing their rare finds.
That’s not all. The handmade niche in the Amazon US site also has low competition. Unlike mainstream e-commerce categories like electronics or apparel, where thousands of sellers fight for visibility, the handcrafted market remains relatively untapped.
According to a report by ResearchAndMarkets.com indicates that the global handicrafts market size was $680 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $1.252 trillion by 2027, with a CAGR of 10.41% during 2022-2027.
This spike is believed to be driven by increasing consumer preference for authentic, one-of-a-kind items. Shoppers are tired of mass-produced goods and are willing to pay a premium for something unique.
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The demand for handmade products is rising, with Amazon shoppers increasingly seeking unique, high-quality, and specialty items not found in traditional stores.
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The global handicrafts market is projected to reach $1.252 trillion by 2027, driven by consumer preference for authentic, sustainable, and culturally rich products.
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The Philippines is a top source for handcrafted goods, offering exceptional quality, unique designs, and strong export potential for sellers targeting the US market.
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Finding reliable suppliers and ensuring compliance with export and import regulations are crucial steps to successfully selling Philippine handmade products on Amazon.
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Amazon FBA simplifies selling handcrafted items, but sellers must prepare for customs duties, shipping logistics, and quality control to maximize profitability.
When it comes to sourcing handmade products, the Philippines is a great choice. Whether you’re a US-based Filipino looking to showcase your homeland’s rich craftsmanship or an entrepreneur who recognizes the growing demand for culturally inspired, authentic goods, you’re unlocking a hidden gem.
The US is one of the largest importers of Philippine handicrafts, alongside the UK and Japan. Entrepreneurs from these countries invest heavily in Filipino-made products to sell on Amazon site USA because of their exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
Filipino artisans are known for their high level of skill, and their handicrafts often exceed international quality standards. The Philippines offers a wide variety of unique designs that cater to different fashion and home décor styles, many of which are sustainably sourced and manufactured.
Some of the most sought-after Philippine handmade products include clamshell bowls, abaca baskets, natural bird toys, casted stone planter bowls, woven bar stools, traditional woven fabrics, wooden trays and server plates, coiled raffia and buri furniture, and rattan garden ornaments.
These items not only reflect the country’s deep-rooted craftsmanship but also appeal to the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly, artisanal, and culturally rich products in the global market.
Your Roadmap to Sourcing Handmade Items from the Philippines
Importing products is a challenge no matter where you are in the world. It can be particularly challenging if you plan to sell them on an Amazon store USA. Strict regulations, logistical hurdles, and risks such as transportation delays, product damage, quality inconsistencies, and even political instability can complicate the process.
However, successfully navigating these obstacles can open up a highly profitable business opportunity. With Amazon FBA making cross-border commerce more accessible, bringing handmade products from the Philippines to the US has never been more straightforward.
Only Invest in Profitable Products
Unlike everyday household essentials that customers buy on Amazon United States website without much thought, handmade goods cater to a niche market that values craftsmanship, uniqueness, and high quality.
These buyers are often willing to pay premium prices, but they also have high expectations. In 2024, the global handicrafts market size was estimated at USD 739.95 billion, with projections indicating a 4.9% CAGR growth from 2025 to 2030, driven by increased demand for ethical, high-quality, and locally crafted products.
Before investing in any product, thorough market research is essential. A great starting point is analyzing the best-selling handmade items already listed on Amazon. Look for products with strong demand, consistent sales, and positive reviews. Pay attention to trends as well—Etsy and Pinterest are excellent platforms for identifying emerging styles and consumer preferences.
Finding the right supplier is the next challenge. Most Amazon website USA sellers will not disclose their sources, so tracking down manufacturers takes investigative work. A simple Google search using the product name and keywords like “wholesale” or “manufacturer” can provide leads.
However, the best approach is to work with a handicraft expert or sourcing consultant based in the Philippines. These professionals have direct access to workshops, artisan cooperatives, and small factories that produce high-quality handmade goods—many of which may not yet be available on Amazon.
Finding a Reliable Supplier
Once you identify a promising product, the next step is securing a supplier who can meet your requirements. However, working with manufacturers in the Philippines presents unique challenges.
Many small-scale artisans focus solely on local markets and lack the necessary export documents. Others may be unfamiliar with Amazon’s strict requirements, making quality control and logistics more difficult.
Some common issues you may encounter include:
- Lack of export experience, leading to requests for upfront production funding
- Inability to scale production beyond sample orders due to limited resources
- Selling generic or mass-produced products that don’t align with Amazon’s handmade category
- Offering food or perishable goods, which can be difficult to import and sell internationally
While partnering with an inexperienced supplier may be tempting due to lower costs, it often leads to unexpected problems. A more reliable option is to work with established exporters who have experience in international trade. They are more likely to have the required documents, understand shipping procedures, and meet global quality standards.
Before finalizing any deal, always request product samples. While hiring a consultant for quality inspection is useful, personally examining the products ensures you get exactly what you’re paying for.
Handmade items can have slight variations, but they should still match the advertised quality. If the samples don’t meet your expectations, consider negotiating modifications or looking for another supplier.
Understanding the Role of a Freight Forwarder
Shipping logistics can be one of the most complicated aspects of importing handmade products. Some experienced manufacturers offer to handle shipping for an additional cost, but many small suppliers do not.
If your supplier cannot arrange transportation, you’ll need to hire a freight forwarder—a company that specializes in coordinating shipments from the Philippines to Amazon’s fulfillment centers in the US
A good freight forwarder understands Amazon FBA’s strict packaging and labeling guidelines. Failing to meet these requirements can lead to shipment refusals, disposal, or costly return fees.
Freight forwarders with Amazon FBA experience can help suppliers comply with these standards, reducing the risk of delays or rejections.
Legal and Logistical Considerations
There are a few key laws and regulations to study before importing handmade products from the Philippines. One is the Export Development Act, which encourages export growth and simplifies procedures, especially for small businesses and artisans.
The Consumer Act ensures product safety and proper labeling before shipping. The Intellectual Property Code protects trademarks, copyrights, and unique handmade designs. Some raw materials, like certain woods or shells, may be restricted under Republic Act 4653, so it’s important to check if export permits are required.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) also regulates duties and tariffs, and shipments worth more than ₱10,000 ($200) need an Export Declaration.
Once the products reach the US, they must follow Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, which require proper classification and declaration of materials. Handmade items must also have clear labeling, including “Made in the Philippines” for compliance with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rules.
If the products involve textiles, they need fiber content and care instructions. Handmade toys or children’s items must meet safety testing requirements under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), and anything containing exotic materials may need approval under CITES or the Endangered Species Act.
For handmade skincare or cosmetics, the FDA requires ingredient disclosure and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices. To successfully export handmade goods from the Philippines to the US, it’s best to check if any special permits are needed, properly label the products, get an Export Declaration from the BOC if required, and use a reliable freight forwarder familiar with US import rules.
Ensuring compliance before shipping avoids delays and legal issues. Filipino handmade products, like woven bags and wooden crafts, have strong demand in the US, making it a worthwhile opportunity if done right.
To streamline the import process, it’s wise to hire an Exporter of Record (EOR) and Importer of Record (IOR). The EOR ensures compliance with Philippine export regulations, while the IOR ensures that your shipment meets US import laws.
Neither Amazon nor your freight forwarder can serve as your EOR or IOR, so hiring a third-party service is necessary if you or your supplier don’t want to deal with legal paperwork.
For larger shipments, working with a licensed customs broker is also a good idea. A customs broker will handle essential tasks like filing customs declarations, arranging import duties, and ensuring smooth clearance through US Customs.
This step is particularly important when dealing with higher quantities, as even minor errors can lead to shipment holds or penalties.
Another key expense to prepare for is customs duties, taxes, and import fees. These costs vary depending on the product category and value. Your Importer of Record (IOR) typically manages these payments, ensuring that shipments are processed without unnecessary delays.
One crucial factor many sellers overlook is Amazon’s strict return policies for international shipments. Amazon does not return rejected products to suppliers outside the US.
If your shipment is refused or requires a return, Amazon will check your seller account for a valid US return address. Without one, your products may be disposed of. Using a US-based third-party logistics provider (3PL) to handle returns can mitigate this risk.
Why Now Is the Best Time to Start
The global market for handmade goods continues to grow, with increasing demand for eco-friendly, fair-trade, and artisan-made products. According to Shopify’s 2024 ecommerce trends report, more consumers are prioritizing ethical and sustainable shopping, making handmade products an attractive category for long-term success.
Billionaire investor Mark Cuban famously said, “…You have to find ways to make yourself standout. You do so by playing to your strengths and making people aware of those strengths.” Handmade products fit this philosophy perfectly—each item tells a story, offers authenticity, and attracts buyers who value craftsmanship over mass production.
By following a well-researched sourcing strategy, working with reliable suppliers, and ensuring logistical efficiency, you can successfully import and sell Philippine handmade goods in the US market.
With Amazon FBA handling storage, shipping, and customer service, now is the perfect time to tap into this profitable industry. The sooner you start, the better your chances of securing a competitive edge before the market becomes oversaturated.
