In this guide

→ Why import from developing countries in 2026?

→ Understanding tariffs and trade agreements

→ How to find and verify suppliers

→ What products can you source?

→ Solving payments and logistics

→ Key risks and how to manage them

→ Africa & Bangladesh: top sourcing regions

Importing from developing countries is one of the most effective ways for global buyers to reduce sourcing costs, diversify supply chains, and access unique products. Over the past two decades, imports from developing and transition economy countries have surged by 70% — and imports from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) have more than tripled.

Yet for many businesses, the process remains unclear. How do you find verified suppliers? How do you pay them safely? How do you move goods across borders without delays? This guide answers all of it.

Why import from developing countries in 2026?

Developing nations are no longer just low-cost alternatives — they are becoming high-quality, reliable partners in global trade. Lower wages, raw material access, and improving manufacturing infrastructure mean competitive pricing without sacrificing quality. And as developed economies move toward services, much of the world's production capacity is shifting to Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

For buyers, this creates a real opportunity: access to diverse, competitively priced goods — from textiles and food products to electronics, jewelry, and artisanal crafts.

Understanding tariffs and trade agreements

Many developing countries benefit from preferential trade agreements that reduce or eliminate import duties. In Canada, 48 LDCs qualify for LDC Tariff (LDCT) Treatment — most goods enter tariff and quota-free. The EU's Everything But Arms (EBA) initiative and the US Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) offer similar advantages.

To qualify, suppliers must satisfy rules of origin and provide valid certification. Knowing which framework applies to your sourcing country is the first step to unlocking significant cost savings.

Quick answer

Can I import from developing countries duty-free? Yes — if your supplier is in an LDC and you're importing into Canada, the EU, or the US, most products qualify for zero-tariff entry under existing trade frameworks. Exceptions include dairy, poultry, and eggs in Canada.

How to find and verify suppliers

Supplier verification is where most import deals fall apart. Unvetted contacts expose buyers to quality failures, delayed shipments, and financial loss. The safest approach is to source through a platform that verifies suppliers upfront — confirming business registration, export history, and compliance credentials before any transaction takes place.

Kingmansa verifies every supplier in its marketplace before listing. You connect with export-ready, credible businesses from day one — no weeks of due diligence before a first conversation.

Explore verified suppliers on Kingmansa ↗

What products can you source from developing countries?

Textiles & apparel

Established manufacturing in Asia and Africa with strong export track records

Food & agriculture

Fresh produce, specialty foods, and commodities — often complementary to local supply

Artisanal goods

Jewelry, home décor, and handcrafted products rooted in traditional skills

Electronics & equipment

Consumer electronics, components, and sporting goods from cost-competitive hubs

Solving payments and logistics

Cross-border payments are one of the biggest friction points in international trade — especially with suppliers in developing markets where USD or EUR wire transfers are slow, expensive, and sometimes inaccessible. Kingmansa supports local currency payments, so suppliers get paid in the currency that works for them and buyers avoid unnecessary foreign exchange costs.

Logistics is equally complex — customs documentation, inland freight, port handling, and last-mile delivery all need to be coordinated. Kingmansa's end-to-end logistics support manages the entire shipment journey in one place, from the supplier's warehouse to your door.

Quick answer

How do I pay international suppliers safely? Use a platform that supports local currency payments and holds funds in escrow until delivery is confirmed. Kingmansa's payment infrastructure is built specifically for cross-border B2B trade with suppliers in developing markets.

Key risks and how to manage them

Importing from developing markets comes with real considerations — political and economic instability in some regions, varying standards compliance, anti-dumping duties, and communication challenges. These are manageable with the right safeguards: due diligence, clear contracts, verified counterparties, and a dispute resolution process.

That's the foundation Kingmansa is built on — making every trade relationship faster, safer, and more transparent for both buyers and suppliers.

Spotlight: Africa and Bangladesh as top sourcing destinations

Two regions stand out for global buyers right now. Africa offers a rapidly expanding manufacturing base, vast agricultural output, rich artisanal traditions, and favorable trade access under frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Countries like Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Senegal, and South Africa are emerging as serious export hubs across multiple product categories.

Bangladesh is already the world's second-largest garment exporter and is rapidly diversifying into leather goods, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, and jute products. Its combination of competitive pricing, skilled labor, and preferential market access makes it one of the most compelling sourcing destinations for global buyers today.

The Africa Bangladesh Business Forum brings together buyers, suppliers, and trade professionals focused on deepening these two vital corridors — connecting businesses across continents and creating new opportunities in both directions.

Join Kingmansa — start trading today ↗

Suppliers from developing nations are becoming more efficient players in the global marketplace — providing strong alternatives to traditional sources of supply, across every major product category.

Frequently asked questions

What is the easiest way to find suppliers in developing countries?

Use a verified B2B marketplace like Kingmansa, which pre-vets exporters so you can connect with credible suppliers without spending weeks on independent due diligence.

Is it safe to import from Africa or Bangladesh?

Yes, when you work through a platform that handles verification, secure payments, and logistics. Both regions have established export industries with strong track records in textiles, food, and manufactured goods.

What is the Africa Bangladesh Business Forum?

A trade platform connecting buyers, suppliers, and professionals focused on African and Bangladeshi export markets — building bridges between two of the world's fastest-growing trade corridors.

How does Kingmansa make importing easier?

Kingmansa combines verified suppliers, local currency payments, and end-to-end logistics in one platform — removing the three biggest barriers to cross-border trade with developing markets.

Ready to start importing smarter?

Join thousands of global buyers sourcing through Kingmansa — verified suppliers, local currency payments, end-to-end logistics.

Ready to start importing smarter?

Join thousands of global buyers sourcing through Kingmansa — verified suppliers, local currency payments, end-to-end logistics.

Join Kingmansa ↗