Alibaba's wholesale platform empowers merchants with new AI search tool to source products

Core Insights - Alibaba Group Holding has launched a new AI tool called "AI Mode" for its B2B marketplace, aimed at enhancing cross-border trade efficiency [1][4] - The AI tool generates tailored results and recommendations based on natural language queries, significantly speeding up the sourcing process for users [2][3] Group 1: AI Mode Features - AI Mode allows users to receive accurate and simple recommendations based on their specific metrics and preferences, marking a significant upgrade to the search process [5] - The tool can automatically compare suppliers in minutes, using metrics such as price and production capabilities, which previously took days or weeks [3][6] Group 2: Market Impact and Future Plans - The launch of AI Mode coincided with Alibaba.com's CoCreate Europe trade fair, targeting small and medium-sized businesses [3] - Alibaba.com aims to charge for the use of AI Mode and its underlying Accio AI sourcing engine, with a target of 1 million subscribers by March 2027, while offering a free limited trial [7]