Finding Suppliers Outside China Means Kissing ‘a Lot of Frogs’

Even before the coronavirus pandemic caused massive disruptions for global supply chains, Becky Cannon was trying to diversify her business. Caught in the middle of the U.S.-China tariff war, the small-business owner started exploring possible alternatives to the Chinese suppliers she’s worked with for years.

But during a sourcing trip to Thailand and Vietnam earlier this year, she experienced first-hand that such a move is much more difficult and costly than some politicians make it sound.