Alibaba.com Sees 30 Percent Increase in Sporting Goods at March Expo

The growing adoption of digital sourcing among the US small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is reshaping the business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce landscape, with platforms like Alibaba leading the charge.

Alibaba is a leading global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce platform, has reported a remarkable 27% year-on-year increase in orders placed by U.S. SMEs during its flagship March Expo event. This milestone reflects the growing adoption of digital sourcing and highlights the platform's role in connecting businesses with global suppliers.

The March Expo and Its Impact

The March Expo is Alibaba.com's premier sourcing event, designed to connect millions of buyers and suppliers worldwide. The month-long virtual event offers attractive promotional deals while leveraging cutting-edge technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to simplify the sourcing process. The 2025 edition proved to be a significant success, demonstrating how U.S. SMEs are increasingly turning to online B2B marketplaces for growth opportunities.

Key Drivers of Growth

Several factors contributed to the double-digit growth in U.S. orders:

• Sports Products Surge: Orders for sports products saw a 30% year-on-year increase, with pickleball-related items experiencing an extraordinary 197% surge, reflecting the rising popularity of emerging sports in the U.S.
• Shift to Digital Sourcing: Nearly half (44%) of U.S. SMEs indicated plans to change suppliers this year, with many opting for digital sourcing channels like Alibaba.com. Additionally, 59% of surveyed SMEs stated that digital sourcing has become more important compared to last year.
• Consumer Trends: The ability to tap into consumer trends and source ready-made products was a significant factor driving demand.

Insights from Leadership

Kuo Zhang, President of Alibaba.com, highlighted the shift towards digital sourcing among U.S. SMEs:

"During this year's March Expo, there has been a noticeable shift in favor of digital sourcing, with order volumes amongst US SMEs rising sharply year-on-year. This trend aligns with our recent research, which revealed that US SMEs increasingly recognize the benefits of online sourcing, from affordability to trend responsiveness and supplier reliability".

Future Outlook

The success of March Expo aligns with broader market trends indicating that U.S. SMEs are adopting digital sourcing at an accelerated pace. The Censuswide survey conducted earlier this year revealed that SMEs increasingly value direct supplier relationships and cost-effective procurement methods offered by platforms like Alibaba.com.

As Alibaba.com continues to innovate its services and expand its global reach, it remains a critical resource for SMEs seeking growth through international trade. The platform's ability to adapt to shifting market dynamics ensures its relevance in an increasingly digital business environment.