Cosmo Sourcing

14/07/2025

Think Sourcing Beyond China Won’t Work? Think Again.

I recently joined the Synapse Sessions podcast to share candid advice and real-world insights from over a decade of sourcing experience in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. In this episode, hosted by Synapse, we dive into:

🎯 The shifting outsider view: Why so many brands are exploring alternatives to China in 2025
💡 The real pros & cons of Vietnam: cost, quality, logistics, and strategy
⚠️ Common mistakes brands make (and how to avoid them)
🔍 The importance of supplier due diligence, inspections, and building direct relationships
📊 How Cosmo Sourcing helps brands scale smoothly, providing transparency, integrity, and real on-the-ground support

Why it matters:

🌏 China isn’t the only game in town, especially with changing trade dynamics and rising tariffs
🇻🇳 Vietnam offers compelling opportunities, from agile factories to cost-effective output
🤝 But without trusted local partners, things can go south fast

If you’ve been watching the headlines and wondering if sourcing outside China is right for you, this is a must-watch. Watch the full episode to learn how to navigate this transition with confidence.

In this critical episode of Synapse Sessions, I sit down with Jim Kennemer, founder of Cosmos Sourcing, who's helped over 1,000 Amazon sellers navigate the s...

02/07/2025

Big News: New US-Vietnam Trade Deal Announced

Major announcement this morning: President Donald Trump just revealed a new trade agreement with Vietnam. This deal could mark a turning point in US-Vietnam trade relations and reshape global sourcing strategies.

Key Highlights:

🇻🇳➡️🇺🇸 The US will impose a 20% tariff on all goods shipped from Vietnam and a 40% tariff on any goods transshipped through to the United States.

🛒 The US will gain total access to Vietnam’s market, meaning American products can be sold in Vietnam at zero tariff.

💸 This 20% tariff on Vietnamese goods is much lower than the current 55% tariff imposed on goods from China.

If enacted, these new terms could make Vietnam an even more attractive alternative for importers and brands seeking to diversify beyond China, particularly for those that the high tariffs imposed by China have significantly impacted.

My Take:
Having sourced from Vietnam for over a decade, I see significant potential for businesses that want to remain competitive, manage costs, and maintain supply chain resilience. Of course, details and implementation will be key, but this is an exciting development for anyone in global trade.

What’s your take on this news? How could it impact your sourcing or export strategy for the rest of 2025 and beyond?

01/07/2025

I recently had the opportunity to join Brett Curry on the OMG Commerce podcast, where we delved into the realities of sourcing, supply chain strategy, and the key questions brands should be asking as they expand beyond China.

We covered a lot of ground in this episode, including:
🔹 What brands need to know before diversifying their supply chain
🔹 Why Vietnam has become a top destination for quality, reliability, and value
🔹 Common pitfalls to avoid when sourcing overseas
🔹 How Cosmo Sourcing helps clients connect directly with vetted factories—no hidden fees, no middlemen, just transparency and long-term partnership
🔹 The lessons I’ve learned after more than a decade sourcing in Vietnam and throughout Southeast Asia

If you’re a brand owner, supply chain leader, or just curious about how global manufacturing really works in 2025, I hope you’ll check it out.

🎥 Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJ57dx9J4f4

Special thanks to Brett and the OMG Commerce team for hosting such a thoughtful conversation!

I would love to hear your thoughts, questions, or experiences with sourcing outside of China; let’s keep the discussion going.

Our CEO Brett Curry sits with Jim Kennemer in this latest episode. Jim knows his stuff when it comes to tariffs, supply chain management and sourcing anythin...

18/06/2025

🚪 Looking to Source Cabinets in Vietnam? We’ve Got You Covered! 🇻🇳

At Cosmo Sourcing, we’ve helped many clients source top-quality cabinets—from sleek kitchen units to custom-built storage solutions, directly from Vietnam’s best manufacturers. Why do so many businesses trust us with their cabinet sourcing projects? Here’s why:

✨ What Sets Us Apart:

🏭 Vast Network: Access to Vietnam’s most reliable, pre-vetted cabinet manufacturers
🔍 Quality & Transparency: See materials, production, and craftsmanship firsthand—factory visits welcome!
💰 Competitive Pricing: Premium quality at prices that give you a real edge in your market
🛠️ Custom Solutions: We handle everything—custom designs, large orders, special finishes, and more
🤝 End-to-End Support: Supplier matching, factory vetting, quality control, shipping logistics—all managed by our expert team

Vietnam is rapidly emerging as a global leader in cabinet manufacturing, thanks to its combination of skilled labor, advanced production techniques, and exceptional value. Whether you need kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, or custom cabinetry, Cosmo Sourcing connects you to the right partners—no middlemen, no surprises, just results.

Ready to get started?
👉 Send us a message
👉 Leave a comment
👉 Or email [email protected]

Let’s take your next cabinet project to the next level!

11/06/2025

🇺🇸🇨🇳 Major News: U.S. and China Reach New Trade Agreement!

Just announced today (June 11, 2025): Following two days of high-level talks in London, the U.S. and China have agreed on a new trade framework aimed at reducing tensions and restoring stability to global trade.

Here are the highlights:

• Tariffs: The U.S. will keep a 55% tariff on Chinese imports, while China will set a 10% tariff on goods from the U.S.

• Rare-Earth Minerals: China has agreed to resume exporting rare-earth minerals and magnets to the U.S.—key materials for electronics, electric vehicles (EVs), and defense manufacturing.

• Student Visas: The U.S. will continue to issue student visas for Chinese students at American universities.

• Not Final Yet: The deal still needs to be officially signed by President Trump and President Xi.

Our advice:
Even with this new agreement, it’s never been more important to diversify your supply chain. Relying on just one country, especially China, means your business could be at risk from future tariff changes or disruptions.

If you’re thinking about exploring new sourcing options in Vietnam, Southeast Asia, or Mexico, now is the perfect time. At Cosmo Sourcing, we help companies build more resilient and flexible supply chains that are not dependent on a single market.

Want to talk strategy? Message us, leave a comment, or visit www.cosmosourcing.com to learn more!

05/06/2025

Throwback to My First Sourcing Project in Vietnam 🇻🇳

In 2014, I secured my first project in Vietnam, sourcing massive industrial wooden reels for a major American corporation. At the time, I barely knew my way around Ho Chi Minh City, let alone the ins and outs of Vietnamese manufacturing.

I spent weeks visiting factories, riding motorbikes through industrial zones, finding food stalls with some of the best food, and learning on the ground what it truly takes to produce quality products here. There were language barriers, cultural surprises, and plenty of rookie mistakes, but every challenge was a lesson.

That experience not only provided me with a crash course in the realities of international sourcing, but it also demonstrated just how capable and adaptable Vietnamese manufacturers can be. More than ten years later, Vietnam is still my favorite sourcing destination, and I’m grateful for those early days that shaped my career.

If you’re thinking about sourcing in Vietnam (or want a good story from the trenches), I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned.

12/05/2025

Finding copies of last Friday's The Wall Street Journal was a struggle. I visited about half a dozen newsstands before finally tracking one down. Most places were completely sold out! I assume people bought them in bulk because of me, not the new Pope.

All jokes aside, I’m truly honored to be featured and share insights on global sourcing, the evolving manufacturing landscape in Vietnam, and its place in the Trade war. Being recognized in such a prestigious publication is a big moment for Cosmo Sourcing!

04/04/2025

Do you need a Tariff Survival Guide?

With the U.S. launching sweeping new tariffs and reciprocal trade measures, businesses that rely on imports face rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and pricing uncertainty.

At Cosmo Sourcing, we created a Tariff Survival Guide to help you stay ahead. In this guide, you'll learn how to:
✅ Assess your tariff exposure
✅ Communicate with suppliers
✅ Diversify your sourcing base
✅ Update SOPs and contingency plans
✅ Monitor international trade policy

If you import from China, Vietnam, or anywhere overseas—this guide is for you.

Read the full post Below!

On April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a comprehensive set of tariffs during what he termed "Liberation Day." This policy introduces a universal 10% tariff on all imported goods, effective April 5, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT. Additionally, higher, country-specific tariffs—"re

01/02/2025

🚨 New Tariffs Just Announced: U.S. Hits China, Canada, and Mexico with Higher Duties 🚨

Big news in global trade! The U.S. is imposing new tariffs under President Donald Trump’s latest trade policy, affecting key trade partners:

✅ 25% tariffs on imports from Canada & Mexico
✅ 10% tariffs on Chinese goods

The White House says this move is aimed at tackling illegal fentanyl trafficking from Canada and Mexico, tying it to national security and public health concerns.
What You Need to Know:

🔹 Canada’s oil exports will face a lower 10% tariff starting Feb. 18, as the U.S. depends on Canada for 40% of its refinery crude.
🔹 China’s tariffs are part of ongoing trade tensions—Trump previously hinted at 60% duties on Chinese imports.
🔹 More tariffs coming? The EU could be next, as Trump has criticized them for “unfair trade practices.”
What This Means for Businesses & Consumers:

⚠️ Higher costs for products imported from these countries.
⚠️ Potential supply chain disruptions across multiple industries.
⚠️ U.S. businesses relying on imports may need to rethink suppliers and pricing strategies.

Trade tensions are heating up, and the effects could ripple across the economy. What do you think about these new tariffs? Let’s talk in the comments! ⬇️

08/10/2024

Seeing one of our client's products come to life is always great. The client couldn't find a table in the size they wanted, so we worked with them to make custom molds and found a factory to bring it to life.

02/04/2024

Cosmo Sourcing founder Jim Kennemer had the pleasure of joining the Debutify Podcast for an engaging conversation about global product sourcing. Tune in to hear Jim's insights on the sourcing world and how Cosmo Sourcing revolutionizes businesses connecting with manufacturing partners in Vietnam and China. Take advantage of this informative episode! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/globalized-sourcing-solutions-with-jim-kennemer/id1529942322?i=1000651170256

10/01/2024

Our client recently embarked on a fascinating journey to Vietnam, where they had the opportunity to visit several top-tier cabinet factories arranged by Cosmo Sourcing. This incredible visit allowed them to witness firsthand the dedication and craftsmanship that goes into creating stunning, high-quality cabinets. Through this immersive experience, our client gained valuable insights into the manufacturing process, from selecting the finest materials to the meticulous attention to detail in each production stage. Our staff set up this tour and included a car and driver to pick them up from the hotel, allowing them to visit three factories a day. We are proud to partner with such skilled craftspeople and are confident that our client's cabinets will be of the highest quality.
We look forward to seeing the finished product come to life!