As 44% of US SMEs plan to find new suppliers,
driving cost efficiency and enhancing product quality amongst top
priorities for year ahead
NEW
YORK, Feb. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the USA are set to make major changes to their
product sourcing strategies this year, according to new data from
Alibaba.com, a leading platform for global business-to-business
(B2B) e-commerce.
Just over a third of US SMEs say that sourcing products at more
cost-effective prices (36%) is a top priority in 2025. This is
followed by finding trusted suppliers (35%), sourcing new and
trendy products to acquire new customers (33%), and finding
sustainable products (27%).
In addition, nearly half of SMEs in the country (44%) plan
to change suppliers*, as they increasingly turn to digital
sourcing channels, such as online B2B marketplaces, to find new
suppliers, source new products and unlock growth. Just under two
thirds (59%) of US SMEs surveyed said digital sourcing†
is more important‡ now compared to this time last year.
This indicates an increased preference for direct sourcing – buying
goods directly from suppliers, rather than intermediaries.
The study of 1,000 sourcing decision makers at SMEs in the
USA was launched in the run-up to
March Expo 2025, Alibaba.com's major B2B sourcing event of the
year. March Expo connects buyers and sellers from around the world,
helping them discover the latest product opportunities and build
new supplier partnerships. During the month, B2B buyers can also
shop from thousands of sustainable products and benefit from over
two million deals with product certificates.
Kuo Zhang, President,
Alibaba.com, said: "US SMEs are becoming more strategic in
their sourcing, focusing on affordability, trend responsiveness,
and supplier reliability to stay competitive. Our research shows
that SMEs are looking beyond cost savings and actively seeking new
suppliers to future-proof their businesses. As businesses embrace
digital sourcing, they are gaining greater flexibility and access
to a wider range of products to support their growth."
To support SMEs in adapting to these changing market
dynamics, March Expo 2025 will provide access to more than one
million new products at competitive prices and offer coupons valued
between $5 and $500 available at check-out. First time orders
receive up to $20 off on shipping
fees with orders shipped via Alibaba.com.
March Expo starts on March 1 on
Alibaba.com.
Notes to Editors
The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of
1,000 decision makers (aged 18+) in US SMEs who are responsible for
sourcing in companies with under 150 employees (excluding sole
traders).
The data was collected between January
31, 2025 and February 6, 2025.
Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research
Society and follows the MRS code of conduct which is based on the
ESOMAR principles.
* 'Strongly agree' and 'Somewhat agree' responses combined
† Sourcing products through online B2B marketplaces
‡ 'Much more important' and 'More important' responses combined
About Alibaba.com
Launched in 1999, Alibaba.com is a leading platform for global
business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce that serves buyers and
suppliers from over 200 countries and regions around the world. It
is engaged in services covering various aspects of commerce,
including providing businesses with tools that help them reach a
global audience for their products and helping buyers discover
products, find suppliers and place orders online fast and
efficiently. Alibaba.com is part of Alibaba International Digital
Commerce Group.
Media Contact
Mike Hong
mike.hong@alibaba-inc.com
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SOURCE Alibaba.com
