Alibaba.com Records Double-Digit Order Growth in the USA During March Expo

Core Insights - Alibaba.com experienced a 27% year-on-year increase in orders from US SME buyers during the March Expo, indicating strong growth in digital sourcing and supplier partnerships [1][6]. Group 1: Event Overview - March Expo is Alibaba.com's flagship sourcing event that connects millions of buyers and suppliers globally, facilitating product discovery and supplier partnerships through technology and AI [2][8]. - The event is a month-long virtual initiative aimed at helping US SMEs access growth opportunities via global trade [2]. Group 2: Order Growth and Product Categories - The growth in US orders was particularly notable in sports products, which saw a nearly 30% year-on-year increase, with pickleball-related products surging by 197% [3][4]. - This trend reflects a broader increase in demand for sporting goods in the US, driven by rising interest in new sports [3]. Group 3: Digital Sourcing Trends - A significant shift towards digital sourcing was observed, with 44% of US SMEs planning to change suppliers this year, primarily through online B2B marketplaces [4][5]. - Approximately 59% of surveyed US SMEs indicated that digital sourcing has become more important compared to the previous year, highlighting a growing preference for direct sourcing [4][7]. Group 4: Executive Insights - Kuo Zhang, President of Alibaba.com, noted the sharp rise in order volumes among US SMEs and emphasized the benefits of online sourcing, including affordability, trend responsiveness, and supplier reliability [5]. - The increase in sports-related product purchases suggests that SME buyers are aligning their sourcing strategies with consumer trends [5].