Alibaba Group Holding’s international division is set to enhance global e-commerce with the introduction of a new AI-driven sourcing tool. The International Digital Commerce Group (AIDC) announced on Wednesday that it will launch an “AI-powered conversational sourcing engine” designed to streamline and revolutionize business-to-business (B2B) transactions on its platforms and beyond.
Beginning in September, the new tool will be available through a dedicated mobile app and Alibaba.com’s official website. This AI-powered engine allows sourcing professionals to interact with the platform via voice commands, simplifying the process of connecting buyers with the right products and suppliers. The tool aims to make global B2B e-commerce more efficient by reducing the time and effort typically required to match sourcing needs with available products.
Alibaba.com president Zhang Kuo expressed confidence in the transformative potential of the new technology. “I believe our AI-powered conversational sourcing engine will further supercharge the growth of Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group by transforming the way tens of millions of global small and medium-sized enterprises operate within the US$20-trillion B2B e-commerce industry,” Zhang said. The sourcing engine is also expected to extend its benefits to merchants on third-party platforms, broadening its impact beyond Alibaba’s own ecosystem.
The development of this AI tool leverages Alibaba’s extensive experience in global sourcing, built over decades. The engine was trained using data from over a billion product listings, equipping it with the capability to not only match current sourcing needs but also predict future requirements. This represents a significant departure from traditional methods, which often involve manually inputting product specifications and sifting through extensive data to find suitable suppliers.
This move highlights Alibaba’s commitment to the international B2B e-commerce market, even as consumer attention shifts towards budget-friendly shopping apps like Shein and Temu. The AIDC’s diverse portfolio, including platforms such as AliExpress, Lazada, Trendyol, and Daraz Group, underscores its broad reach and influence in global online retail.
To support the new AI initiative, AIDC has established a dedicated team of approximately 100 employees and is actively seeking additional talent. The introduction of this advanced sourcing tool reflects Alibaba’s ongoing efforts to lead and innovate in the ever-evolving landscape of global e-commerce.
