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Yiwu's foreign trade industry sparks new growth with AI

chinadaily.com.cn| Updated :2024-03-13

Since Alibaba International Station unveiled its first AI-powered foreign trade product in Yiwu on Aug 24 last year, significant advancements have been observed. This innovation has revitalized China's foreign trade sector, establishing a new era of high-tech, efficient, and quality-driven foreign trade development.

As of March 12, Alibaba.com reported that 12,000 foreign trade enterprises have adopted its AI product, with millions of products released by AI. Thanks to AI enhancements, these products have experienced a 37 percent increase in overseas search volume.

In Yiwu, a merchant who has been operating since the 1960s achieved over $100,000 in orders within the first month of using the AI product. Additionally, many Yiwu merchants have opted for semi-agency services, simplifying their foreign trade operations.

Before Alibaba's initiative, AI's practical application in foreign trade was limited. However, Alibaba.com has not only introduced two major AI products but also transformed 18 aspects of foreign trade operations using AI.

Zhang Kuo, president of Alibaba.com, emphasized that by delegating complex and repetitive tasks to AI, foreign trade personnel can focus on more critical tasks such as product development and market selection. This enables domestic companies without foreign trade experience and businesses in remote areas to swiftly adapt to the global market.

Alibaba.com also launched a semi-agency service earlier this year, offering a streamlined B2B purchasing experience. Merchants with spot inventory capabilities can join the service, ensuring fixed prices, prompt delivery, and after-sales guarantees for overseas buyers.

The initial phase of the Alibaba.com B2B semi-agency has been successfully rolled out in the European and American markets, quickly attracting new overseas buyers.