The Global Shift: 63% of SMEs Embrace AI Tools for Cross-Border Trade

Global Shift in Cross-Border Trade

Recent research from Alibaba.com indicates a significant transformation within the global small and medium enterprises (SMEs) landscape, with 63% of these businesses actively seeking AI tools to optimize their cross-border trade activities. This trend marks a pivotal change, enabling SMEs to leverage technology for smoother, more efficient operations in a competitive global market.

The Rise of AI Tools in B2B Commerce

The newly released findings highlight that SMEs are increasingly relying on artificial intelligence (AI) to improve their trading processes. In a world where digital transformation is paramount, many SMEs are finding that traditional methods of cross-border trading are no longer sufficient. As a response, Alibaba.com has introduced a comprehensive AI overhaul aimed at enhancing the toolsets available for these enterprises.

This initiative was officially announced during the CoCreate 2025 event—a flagship summit for SMEs held in Las Vegas—where more than 3,500 attendees gathered. The summit received an astonishing 25,000 applications from businesses across 150 countries, demonstrating the growing appetite for advanced technological solutions in trade management.

Empowering 'Micro-Multinationals'

One of the significant outcomes of this AI adoption is the emergence of what are being termed ‘micro-multinationals.’ These are small businesses that can now engage in international markets with unprecedented agility. For instance, a small design studio can enter numerous markets simultaneously, all thanks to AI tools that provide real-time market insights, significantly lowering the historical barriers to entry.

Kuo Zhang, the President of Alibaba.com, emphasized that AI is no longer a luxury, but a necessity in the B2B arena where high-stakes decisions require constant innovation. According to Zhang, the nature of user behavior is shifting—businesses need far more nuanced tools than traditional keyword searches; they require advanced, long-text multimodal AI capabilities to navigate today's complex global trade environment.

Introducing Deep Search

To facilitate this need, Alibaba.com unveiled Deep Search, an innovative AI-powered procurement tool designed to simplify sourcing processes. Deep Search allows users to conduct searches using natural language and images, transforming complex queries into actionable insights. Within moments, users can receive relevant product listings and supplier information tailored to their specific needs, significantly reducing the time spent on sourcing.

The foundational technology behind Deep Search draws from 26 years of industry expertise, ensuring it evolves quickly to meet the diverse demands of SMEs.

The Impact of the Accio AI Engine

Perhaps one of the most groundbreaking developments is the Accio AI search engine, launched under the Alibaba International umbrella. This AI-powered agent has surged in popularity since its introduction in May 2024, boasting a 50% increase in its user base within just one month of launching its automated features. The Accio engine allows for the automation of up to 70% of manual tasks related to product ideation, supplier sourcing, and compliance, thus streamlining processes that usually take lengthy periods into mere minutes.

The CoCreate 2025 Summit: A Hub for Innovation

CoCreate 2025 served as a platform to highlight the tangible benefits that AI brings to cross-border trade. The event saw record participation, doubling in size compared to previous editions, and showcasing a pitch competition that drew tens of thousands of innovative proposals from SMEs eager to integrate cutting-edge solutions into their operations.

Alongside the summit, Alibaba.com launched its annual Super September sales event featuring AI-guided sourcing lists that narrowed down successful products in global markets, providing additional incentives such as discounts to participating businesses.

About Alibaba.com

Alibaba.com, founded in 1999, has grown to become a premier B2B e-commerce platform that connects buyers and suppliers globally. It engages businesses in everything from e-commerce solutions to logistic services, helping streamline the process for SMEs looking to expand into international markets effectively. As it embarks on this latest AI journey, there is no doubt that Alibaba.com is poised to redefine the future of cross-border trade for SMEs worldwide.