about us

Fair Trade Exchange is an Australian-owned retailer of unique handcrafts produced by impoverished artisans in Indonesia. All of our products are designed and handmade by local people who use their own abilities to lift themselves out of poverty. At Fair Trade Exchange, we provide a sustainable business relationship with the producers based on trust, commitment and fair trade because we believe in equality and justice for the poor.

Our products are specially created and aims to highlight its craftsmanship skills rather than chasing fashion fads. Our designers work closely with the producers to create beautiful designs in limited production so that each piece is unique and special. Under Fair Trade conditions, the producers are given a fair price and a minimum of 50% deposit with every order. To find out more about what we do for fair trade, please go to Fair Trade

helping the poor
We commission genuinely poor local people to produce our products. They are paid according to the international Fair Trade Calculator, which calculates how much a producer in a specific developing country should be paid to be considered 'fair'. A fair payment can have an enormous positive affect on the producers and their family- from having enough food to eat to being able to send their children to school.

We also provide free advice and training to help our producers build capacity to expand their business potential. Some of the services they receive include professional design advice, quality monitoring, market research and basic English language skills.

in the beginning
After completing her studies, Amy travelled to Southeast Asia and was confronted with the reality of extreme poverty in Cambodia. She was determined to improve the situation so that basic needs such as clean water, sanitation, nutrition and shelter can be met. Amy believes that no one, especially children, should endure such poor living conditions. Opportunity came when she was appointed as Australian Youth Ambassador for Development in 2007, moving to Indonesia to work as a volunteer for a local non-profit organisation which aims to empower women.

Under the Australian government's overseas aid department, AusAID, the Youth Ambassadors program was launched in 1998 by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer, to strengthen mutual understanding between Australia and the countries of the Asia Pacific and make a positive contribution to development. Youth Ambassadors use their skills and expertise to actively contribute to international development. They gain an increased understanding of the development needs of neighbouring countries and broaden their experience by living and working in a cross-cultural environment.

Amy worked as a handicraft development and marketing officer for the organisation, helping local producers gain access to the consumer market and encouraging people to buy Fair Trade products. After the completion of her assignment, Amy established Fair Trade Exchange and maintained a close working relationship with the producers. As a devoted supporter of a fairer trade, Amy hopes that Fair Trade Exchange will make a difference to the lives of the poor and help eliminate human exploitation.

green exchange
Support environmentally responsible products that are made from repurposed, renewable and recycled materials. Fair Trade Exchange is a supporter for a cleaner world and encourages producers to be mindful of what materials and chemicals they use. Our eco-friendly products and packaging ensure both customer and Mother Nature satisfaction.

Reduce Poverty. Choose Fair Trade.