If you ask experienced sellers where to source products, chances are they’ll point you to India. And for good reason.
Sourcing products from India to sell on Amazon USA or other online selling platforms is one of the smartest moves you can make. India has become a go-to destination for ecommerce sellers who want to source unique, high-quality products at competitive prices.
Over the last few years, I’ve seen an increasing number of Amazon sellers shifting their sourcing strategies from China to India. Some are looking to diversify their supply chain, while others are drawn to India’s craftsmanship, lower minimum order quantities (MOQ), and more predictable trade policies.
So, what makes India such an excellent sourcing hub?
For starters, India is known for its artisanal and handcrafted goods. Many suppliers in India are small, family-run businesses that specialize in handmade products, something that’s increasingly appealing to buyers in the US. The offer some of the most profitable products to sell online.
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India is a top sourcing destination for Amazon sellers due to its high-quality, handcrafted products, lower MOQs, and cost-effective manufacturing.
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Handmade and artisanal goods from India are in high demand, with strong sales in categories like home décor, jewelry, and textiles on Amazon USA.
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India’s flexible supplier terms and lower costs make it easier for new sellers to start lean, test products, and scale their business without large upfront investments.
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Sourcing eco-friendly and organic products from India aligns with growing consumer demand, making categories like jute bags, bamboo kitchenware, and herbal teas profitable.
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Choosing the right supplier is key to success, requiring verification of registrations, understanding regional specialties, and ensuring proximity to raw material sources.
According to a 2024 report by Grand View Research, the global market for handmade products is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% through 2030, driven by increasing consumer preference for ethically made, one-of-a-kind items.
On Amazon, handmade and artisanal categories—including home décor, jewelry, and textile goods—continue to see strong sales, especially among shoppers looking for alternatives to mass-produced items.
Another huge advantage of sourcing from India is the lower MOQ. If you’re a beginner or testing a new product, you don’t want to sink thousands of dollars into inventory right away.
Unlike large factories in China that often require bulk orders, many Indian suppliers are flexible with small batch orders. This makes it easier to start lean, test product viability, and scale up only when you see traction. It’s one of the reasons why so many first-time Amazon sellers start sourcing from India—it allows for a lower-risk entry into the market.
India also offers an incredible variety of products that fit multiple profitable niches. Whether it’s jewelry, spices, textiles, houseware, leather goods, or eco-friendly alternatives, India’s diverse manufacturing capabilities allow sellers to tap into growing ecommerce trends.
Take, for example, the rising demand for organic and sustainable products. A 2024 survey by NielsenIQ found that 78% of US consumers prefer to buy environmentally friendly products, and India happens to be a leading producer of eco-friendly goods like jute bags, bamboo kitchenware, and organic cotton textiles—all of which are gaining traction on Amazon.
And perhaps the biggest reason India is such an attractive sourcing destination: lower costs. India’s manufacturing costs remain highly competitive because labor, production, and even transportation expenses are significantly lower than in many other countries.
Research suggests that India’s average manufacturing labor cost is almost four times lower than China’s, making it a cost-effective option for sourcing high-quality goods without breaking the bank. Lower costs mean better profit margins, which is exactly what every Amazon seller wants.
So if you’re serious about finding profitable products to sell on Amazon, India is definitely worth considering. In the next section, I’ll break down the best product categories to source from India, how to find reliable suppliers, and what you need to know about importing them to the US. Let’s get started!
So what should you source from India?
With the U.S. ecommerce market projected to hit $1.7 trillion by 2027, sellers need suppliers who offer both quality and competitive pricing. That’s where India comes in. As one of the top suppliers to the U.S., India exported $85 billion worth of goods in 2022, fueling the supply chain for online businesses.
But what are the best products an online seller like you should source from India for a thriving Amazon FBA business?
Leather Products
India is a global leader in leather production, accounting for about 13% of the world’s leather output. With over 3 billion square feet of leather produced annually, the country has been a preferred source of leather goods since the early 2010s.
One of the biggest reasons for this is India’s ability to handle large orders while maintaining high quality, a factor that keeps international buyers coming back.
Leather products such as footwear, accessories, handbags, wallets, jackets, and belts consistently perform well on Amazon USA. A quick look at Amazon’s Bestsellers in Men’s Wallets will show multiple listings featuring “genuine Indian leather” in their product descriptions.
Seth Rogen, co-founder of Houseplant, a luxury home goods brand, once mentioned in an interview that India’s leather craftsmanship is unmatched in both quality and affordability.
If you plan to source leather goods from India, ensure your supplier follows international quality standards and uses vegetable tanning techniques, which are preferred in Western markets due to environmental concerns.
Luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci have also been sourcing leather from Indian tanneries for years. That alone speaks volumes about its quality.
Jewelry
Indian jewelry—both fine and fashion—is another lucrative niche. India supplies around 75% of the world’s cut and polished diamonds and is a leader in handcrafted gold and gemstone jewelry. The Indian jewelry export market is worth over $40 billion, and its demand in the US is undeniable.
Selling jewelry on Amazon is a bit trickier because of import regulations. Exporters must register with the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and secure documentation like an Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) and a PAN-based Business Identification Number (BIN).
If you’re sourcing jewelry, work with suppliers who specialize in exports to the US. Bollywood-style earrings, kundan necklaces, and nose rings are currently trending among South Asian buyers on Amazon USA.
Spices
Most people don’t think twice about where their turmeric, cinnamon powder, or cardamom comes from, but chances are, they trace back to India. As the world’s largest spice exporter, India dominates the global spice trade, generating $3.78 billion in exports in 2023 alone.
Popular Indian spices that thrive in the US market include cardamom, black pepper, turmeric, nutmeg, chili, ginger, and cumin. Turmeric, in particular, has seen a surge in demand due to its health benefits, with the global turmeric market expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% by 2027.
From personal experience, if you’re planning to sell spices on online selling sites like Amazon, you need to be extra careful about regulations. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licenses all spice exporters, and Amazon requires proper documentation before allowing food products to be sold in the US. Stick to suppliers who already export to the US through Amazon FBA to make things easier.
Houseware
India’s home décor and houseware industry is thriving, with the US being one of its biggest markets. The country’s handmade wooden, brass, and ceramic home décor pieces have grown in popularity on Amazon, particularly in categories like candle holders, decorative trays, and handmade kitchenware.
A great example is Jaipur-made blue pottery, which has been gaining traction among Etsy and Amazon sellers. I’ve personally seen some home décor brands scaling quickly on Amazon simply by selling unique handcrafted items from India.
To ensure quality, work with artisans who specialize in premium craftsmanship. Luxury Indian homeware brands like Good Earth and Fabindia have gained international recognition for their handmade appeal.
Textiles and Apparel
India ranks sixth in global textile and apparel exports, with the industry valued at $190 billion in 2023. The country is a go-to supplier for cotton garments, ethnic wear, woolen apparel, and handwoven textiles.
Textile-based home goods like carpets, curtains, and kitchen linens are also profitable. Home textile exports from India grew by 12% in 2023, with the US being the largest buyer. Amazon USA’s best-selling bed linens and drapes often highlight their “handmade” or “ethically sourced” Indian origins, adding to their premium appeal.
One Amazon seller who built a seven-figure business selling handwoven Indian cotton scarves once said, “I realized early on that people in the US love authenticity. When they see ‘Handmade in India,’ they’re willing to pay more.”
If you plan to sell Indian textiles, ensure your products carry a unique design or story. Handloom fabrics from Varanasi and block-printed textiles from Jaipur are highly sought after.
Tea and Herbal Products
Tea and herbs are an integral part of India’s culture. The country is the second-largest tea producer in the world, with Darjeeling and Assam teas being globally renowned. Herbal teas and ayurvedic wellness products, such as tulsi tea and ashwagandha powder, are in high demand, especially among health-conscious consumers.
Amazon’s tea and wellness category has grown so much in the past three years, fueled by demand for organic and immunity-boosting products. Brands like Vahdam Teas, which started as a small Indian tea brand, have now become a major global player, with endorsements from Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres.
If you want to sell herbal products, make sure they comply with FDA guidelines. Some teas and herbs, such as kratom and certain ayurvedic blends, are restricted in the US. Sticking to commonly sold varieties can save you from unnecessary regulatory headaches.
Gifts and Stationery
Corporate gifting and handmade stationery are booming industries in India. The country is a major exporter of decorative gifts, handmade paper, incense sticks, and festive décor. The global gifting market is expected to reach $43.3 billion by 2027, with eco-friendly and handmade products seeing the highest growth.
Many Amazon sellers source their gifting products from India and private-label them. This is a great niche if you want to differentiate your brand. Handmade journals, wooden pens, and eco-friendly greeting cards from India sell well, especially during the holiday season.
Sourcing Products from India Is Not That Simple—Keep These in Mind
Sourcing products from India for your Amazon business can be highly lucrative if done right. India is home to some of the world’s best manufacturing hubs for textiles, handicrafts, leather goods, and organic products.
However, working with international suppliers comes with its own set of challenges—time zone differences, language barriers, and logistical hurdles, to name a few.
I’ve faced these issues firsthand and learned that a solid sourcing strategy is key to avoiding unnecessary headaches. If you’re planning to source products from India, here’s what you need to know.
First, always source your products from the correct production centers. India is vast, and each region specializes in different products. If you want high-quality leather goods, Kanpur is your best bet.
For organic cotton apparel, Tamil Nadu is the hub. And if you’re into handcrafted wooden decor, Saharanpur is where you should be looking. Choosing the right region ensures you get authentic, high-quality products straight from the source.
Before finalizing any deal, check whether your potential supplier is registered with the Indian government. The Ministry of Commerce & Industry provides licenses through organizations like the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
Verified suppliers typically have an Import Export Code (IEC), which proves they are legally allowed to export goods. This verification protects you from scams and ensures you’re dealing with a legitimate manufacturer.
Another crucial factor is the supplier’s proximity to raw material sources. This is something I wish I had known earlier. If you’re selling organic cotton clothing, it’s far more efficient to work with a supplier located near a cotton-growing region rather than one sourcing raw materials from hundreds of miles away.
The reason is simple: it cuts down transportation costs and ensures a stable supply chain. For example, a study by the Indian Textile Journal highlights that Tamil Nadu produces most of India’s total cotton yarn production, making it the ideal location for textile manufacturing.
Similarly, Moradabad is renowned for brass handicrafts because of its proximity to skilled artisans and raw materials. When suppliers are located near these production hubs, it often means better quality control and lower production costs—savings that you can pass on to your customers.
Logistics is another major factor. The distance between the supplier’s factory and the nearest shipping port can significantly impact your lead time and costs. Most international shipments from India leave through posts in Mumbai, which handles nearly 60% of the country’s container traffic.
Choosing a supplier within an hour’s drive of this port can save you time and money. I’ve worked with a supplier who was located five hours from the port, and the extra transportation costs nearly ate up my profit margins. Lesson learned: always check the shipping distance beforehand.
Selecting a supplier who specializes in your desired product is also essential. Many factories claim to manufacture a wide variety of goods, but in reality, they often outsource production to smaller workshops, which can lead to inconsistencies in quality.
If you’re selling handloom scarves, work with a factory that specializes in textiles rather than a general manufacturer that dabbles in everything from furniture to kitchenware. A supplier that focuses on a single product category is more likely to have better quality control and a smoother sampling process.
This is particularly important when you need customized products because factories with expertise in your niche can fine-tune details without excessive back-and-forth revisions.
Factory size matters, too. Many first-time sellers assume bigger factories are better, but that’s not always true. Large factories typically have higher MOQ requirements, which can be a challenge if you’re testing a new product. If you’re placing small orders, work with medium-sized factories that cater to growing businesses.
The Indian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, which contributes nearly 30% to India’s GDP, is an excellent source of reliable suppliers who are willing to accommodate smaller order volumes. Some of these suppliers even offer flexible payment terms, which can help if you’re managing a tight budget.
Lastly, be cautious of contractors who are unorganized or unregistered with the government. Some middlemen claim to offer the best deals but operate without proper documentation, which can lead to delays, quality issues, or even fraud.
Always request proof of registration and business licenses. Websites like IndiaMART and TradeIndia have verification systems that help you identify credible suppliers. Additionally, Alibaba’s supplier verification program now includes several Indian manufacturers, making it easier to find trustworthy vendors.
If you’ve been hesitant about sourcing from India, now is the time to take the leap. The country is emerging as a global manufacturing powerhouse, and thanks to Amazon FBA, importing has never been easier.
The best part? Indian suppliers are increasingly adopting international business standards, making it easier than ever to work with them. This means that more businesses like yours are successfully sourcing from India and profiting from high-quality, competitively priced products.
So, what’s stopping you? Take that first step and start exploring suppliers today. If you do your due diligence, sourcing from India can be one of the smartest moves for your Amazon business. And trust me, once you find the right supplier, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner!
