#London #United Kingdom #Alibaba #AI Mode #B2B e-commerce

Alibaba.com Unveils AI Mode to Revolutionize B2B E-Commerce

At the recent CoCreate Europe event held in London, Alibaba.com, one of the foremost platforms for B2B e-commerce, introduced an innovative feature known as 'AI Mode'. This launch signifies a strategic pivot into integrating agentic AI capabilities directly into the platform's user journey, marking a critical evolution in the landscape of global trade.

Surge in Business Activity

The unveiling of AI Mode comes on the heels of remarkable growth for Alibaba.com, with recent figures showing a 57% surge in order volume from European markets year-on-year. Additionally, the platform has seen a 50% increase in active suppliers globally compared to the previous year. These statistics suggest a growing confidence among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) towards engaging in cross-border trade, setting the stage for Alibaba.com's ambitious plans to further embed artificial intelligence into the core of the trade experience.

Transforming the B2B Landscape

AI Mode, expected to launch this December, aims to transform how businesses find, assess, and interact with suppliers within the expansive $30 trillion B2B market. Notably, a study indicated that nearly 90% of B2B buyers utilize AI tools for sourcing and evaluation, while over half of all online searches are powered by AI. The heightened demand for intelligent and actionable insights underscores the necessity for tools that can efficiently navigate the complexities of sourcing and supplier management.

Following its earlier announcement regarding the enhancement of its traditional keyword-based search through deep search powered by large language models, Alibaba.com has taken a significant step forward by launching AI Mode. This new feature will facilitate natural language query interpretation, technical specifications analysis, and automatic supplier comparison based on pricing, logistics, and production capabilities—delivering personalized recommendations in a matter of seconds. Moreover, it will integrate seamlessly with existing Alibaba.com services such as secure payments, Trade Assurance, and after-sales support, promising an entirely automated and end-to-end trade experience.

Kuo Zhang, President of Alibaba.com, emphasized that AI is evolving beyond a mere tool to become the operational backbone of their platform.

Unlocking New Opportunities

At the heart of AI Mode is Accio—the world’s first AI-powered search engine tailored for B2B commerce, which was first launched in 2024 and has since seen substantial improvements. Accio’s advanced multimodal understanding allows it to glean insights from unstructured input, such as product sketches and certifications, matching them with relevant manufacturing capabilities. This functionality unlocks what Alibaba.com describes as the “hidden product shelf”—an extensive network of specialized suppliers often overlooked by conventional keyword-centric discovery methods. By identifying these typically high-potential suppliers, AI Mode promises to enhance product innovation and bolster supply chain resilience for SMEs.

A Strategic Response to Market Demands

The increase in European orders reflects not only Alibaba.com's success but also a broader transition in the business ecosystem in Europe. Recent research indicates that 90% of European SMEs regard product innovation as pivotal to their growth strategy, with 62% expressing confidence in the utilization of AI tools to enhance innovation in key areas such as design and sourcing. As businesses in Europe adapt to stricter sustainability regulations and diversification in their supply chains, they are increasingly leaning on efficient sourcing solutions. AI Mode is tailored to meet these demands, enabling buyers to navigate compliance issues while identifying sustainable partners and expediting product market introduction without the need to expand their teams.

With a focus on empowering European SMEs, AI Mode encapsulates both a technological milestone and strategic advantage, allowing businesses to remain competitive in the global marketplace, innovate more effectively, and conduct smarter sourcing.

About Alibaba.com

Officially launched in 1999, Alibaba.com has established itself as a leading force in global B2B e-commerce, facilitating interactions between buyers and suppliers across more than 200 nations and regions. The platform provides essential tools for businesses to promote their products to a global audience and aids buyers in swift product discovery, supplier search, and order processing. Alibaba.com operates as part of the Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group.