#USA #Las Vegas #AI tools #SMEs #Alibaba.com

63% of Global SMEs Now Embrace AI for Cross-Border Trade

In an era where technology drives efficiency, a recent study published by Alibaba.com reveals that 63% of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) globally are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) tools to facilitate and enhance cross-border trade. This burgeoning demand highlights a pivotal transition towards tech-driven solutions in international commerce.

Alibaba.com, a leading B2B platform, launched its largest AI initiative during the recent CoCreate 2025, an SME summit that attracted over 3,500 attendees, marking a significant moment in the evolution of global trade.

A New Economic Landscape

The adoption of AI is reshaping the way SMEs operate on the global stage. Traditionally, accessing international markets was a daunting task for smaller businesses, often requiring substantial investment and resources. However, the advent of AI technologies has simplified this process, giving rise to what is termed micro-multinationals. These are nimble enterprises that efficiently scale their operations internationally with limited personnel.

A prime example is a two-person design firm that can now market products in an array of countries by leveraging AI-generated insights—an endeavor that previously took far longer and involved numerous manual steps.

AI tools have streamlined numerous facets of global trade, from supplier negotiations and compliance checks to logistics management. These processes, once reserved for large corporations with extensive teams, are now automated for quick fulfillment.

Kuo Zhang, President of Alibaba.com, emphasized the necessity of AI, asserting, “It’s not just about luxury; it’s about survival in the B2B landscape, where decisions must adapt quickly to market shifts.” In summary, traditional keyword searches are being replaced by targeted, long-text AI tools that adaptively support trade activities.

Innovations in AI Technology

One of the notable advancements introduced is Deep Search, an AI-powered procurement tool that employs multimodal capabilities to manage complex sourcing requests. This tool is revolutionary as it can handle lengthy natural language queries alongside image-based searches—promising quicker and more precise supplier matches.

Deep Search leverages an impressive database of 280 million B2B product listings, ensuring that results are highly relevant. This refinement in sourcing processes allows SMEs to connect with verified suppliers almost instantly, significantly cutting down the time needed for procurement.

In addition to Deep Search, Alibaba.com launched the Accio AI agent, labeled as the world's first dedicated AI solution for global trade in May 2024. Since its inception, user adoption surged by 50% within a month, automating up to 70% of previously manual tasks across various functions, from product ideation to supplier sourcing.

The CoCreate 2025 Summit

The CoCreate 2025 summit showcased innovative B2B solutions while promoting face-to-face collaborations among global ecommerce players. This year’s event was characterized by an overwhelming response; over 25,000 SMEs pitched their business ideas, showcasing their demand for cutting-edge solutions to current trade challenges.

Coupled with Alibaba’s Super September, a significant annual sales event, attendees had access to over 200,000 AI-enhanced sourcing lists accompanied by attractive discounts, reflecting the practical benefits of these new technologies in real-world applications.

Conclusion: The Future of Trade

As globalization becomes increasingly streamlined through advancements in AI, small and medium-sized enterprises are finding more opportunities to engage with international markets. Alibaba.com’s ongoing commitment to innovation offers SMEs the tools required to navigate this rapidly evolving business landscape effectively.

Thus, as industries continue to adapt, it is clear that the integration of AI in trade is not just a trend, but a necessary evolution for the survival and growth of SMEs in today's market.