WHO WE ARE

Cross Trade International's passion is to invest in the lives of poor people in Brazil.  People who are unemployed without trade skills or who work in a cottage-type industry but are unable to sustain themselves or their families. 

WHAT WE DO

• Locate skilled people who already make a quality product but need help due to the lack of a viable market.
• Invest in tools and equipment that allow the artisan to be more productive, increasing income potential.
• Pay a price for the products that will sustain the producers.
• Import these products to the USA and offer them to the public through our store in Blowing Rock, NC and our website.

WHY BRAZIL

Brazil is two countries.  One Brazil is an industrial giant in South America.  The other Brazil is the largest population of rural poor in our hemisphere.  Cross Trade is able to utilize the infrastructure of the modern Brazil to export product so that the poor can be helped.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why partner with churches & charitable organizations?

Brazil is blessed with caring pastors and strong churches that are reaching out to the poor.  They provide oversight and accountability that is so important. 

What about exploitation of the poor?

The wages earned from work with Cross Trade are set at a minimum level to provide a sustainable income for a typical family, an amount more than our partners (parceiros) previously earned and much higher  than the minimum wage established by the government.

How can I help?

1. Pray for Our Partners in Brazil

Our desire, and prayer, for each person we serve in Brazil is that they will experience God’s love, and through any blessings Cross Trade may bring, they will give thanks to the Lord and share generously with their others. 

2. Make a Purchase

Cross Trade is not a charity or welfare.  We provide opportunities.  Every purchase you make allows us to continue to provide income to the artisans.  The products are of high quality and are backed by our guarantee that if you are not completely satisfied with any purchase you will receive a full refund, including shipping.

3. Tell Others About Cross Trade - Send this website to your friends!

4. Sponsor Capital Improvements

Cross Trade always advances money to purchase raw materials and repair equipment so that orders can be completed.  Opportunities arise that require investing additional funds.  Here are some of the investments Cross Trade has made in the past:

• Cover for a kiln so that work can continue during the rainy season, allowing the partners to earn more.
• Woodworking tools to improve the quality of workmanship and shorten production time.
• Paying for tuition to nursing school for two young artisans so they can  they can realize a dream.

Perhaps you or your small group in your church would consider providing for a project of this nature.  Call the store at the number below or e-mail us at the address below and send us a request for a list of new projects.