Inside Selam Habtamu’s Work Sourcing Custom Machinery and High Value Products from China

When Selam Habtamu departed Addis Ababa for China in 2016 to study civil engineering, the plan was simple: complete her education, return to her home country, and live happily ever after. However, the universe had other plans. What began as a side hustle during college, shipping products overseas and connecting Ethiopian buyers with vendors and suppliers, eventually led her to co-found Tri-AM International in 2025. Based in Yiwu, China, the international sourcing and supply chain management company helps businesses connect with manufacturers and navigate the complexities of global trade.

When Selam first arrived in China, she experienced the culture shock that many international students face when moving to a country with an unfamiliar language and culture. “My initial years in the new country were tough,” Selam said. “At campus, we spoke English, so I didn’t have any issues navigating my studies. However, when I went out into the city, I struggled to communicate and adjust to the new reality.”

Fast-forward nearly a decade, and Selam has built a life and business in the country she once struggled to navigate. “Now I speak enough Chinese to live and work in China,” Selam said. Today, through Tri-AM International, Selam helps businesses source customized machinery and high-value products from China, with a focus on making the purchasing process easier, more reliable, and more convenient.

“We make sure our customers pay the right price and get the best quality for anything they ask us to ship,” Selam said. “We buy the products at the right price, and we make sure they meet our customers’ expectations. That’s very important to us.”

Through Tri-AM, Selam has helped ship a wide range of products to customers around the world, including farming equipment, construction materials, coffee roasters, electric vehicles, pickup trucks, and more. Many of the company’s customers are based in Ethiopia and Ghana.

China is a global leader in manufacturing, known for its ability to produce goods efficiently and operate sophisticated supply chains. Yet, sourcing products from China can still be challenging, particularly when buyers need expensive, specialized, or customized equipment. Companies like Tri-AM help bridge that gap by working directly with suppliers and helping customers obtain products that meet their specific needs.

Selam said some customers have approached Tri-AM after waiting months for orders placed through large e-commerce companies. “These customers are waiting for months to receive orders, and the sellers are waiting for prices to go down before they ship,” she said. “When they deal with us, they get the right price and quality, and they receive their products faster.”

Today, Selam is focused on growing her business. China has become her second home, and much of her professional satisfaction comes from solving problems for customers who depend on her to source products they urgently need.

“Nothing makes me happier than hearing my customers tell me they love the products we ship to them,” Selam said. “I want people to feel confident and comfortable whenever they buy products through our company. And I want them to know that we prioritize quality.”

Source: FSX Business News