US SME Buyers Embrace AI and Digital Sourcing at Alibaba.com’s March Expo, Unlocking Growth Opportunities
Alibaba.com’s March Expo, the platform’s flagship sourcing event, has seen a significant increase in orders placed by US SME buyers this year. The event, which leverages technology, artificial intelligence, and digital sourcing, has helped US SMEs build new supplier partnerships and unlock growth opportunities.
According to Alibaba.com, there was a 27% year-on-year increase in orders placed by US SME buyers during this year’s March Expo. The growth was driven by several key product categories, with sports products seeing a notable increase of 30%. In particular, orders for pickleball-related products surged by 197%, reflecting the growing demand for sporting goods in the US.
One of the key drivers of this growth was US SMEs shifting towards digital sourcing, buying goods directly from suppliers through online B2B marketplaces. Nearly half of SMEs (44%) plan to change suppliers this year, with a majority (59%) stating that digital sourcing is more important now compared to last year. This shift towards digital sourcing allows businesses to access a wider range of products and support their growth more effectively.
Kuo Zhang, President of Alibaba.com, noted the trend towards digital sourcing during this year’s March Expo, highlighting the benefits of online sourcing for US SMEs. The rise in sports-related product purchases also indicates that SME buyers are tapping into consumer trends and sourcing ready-made products to meet demand.
Overall, Alibaba.com’s March Expo has provided US SME buyers with the tools and opportunities to expand their businesses and establish new supplier partnerships. With the increasing importance of digital sourcing, SMEs are well-positioned to leverage technology and AI to drive growth and innovation in the global marketplace.
