Alibaba.com Records Double-digit Order Growth In The Uk During March Expo
Alibaba.com , a leading platform for global business-to-business B2B e-commerce, has recorded a 39 year-on-year increase in the number of orders placed by UK SME buyers during this years March Expo, reflecting a growing shift towards digital sourcing among SMEs in the UK with a recent study by Alibaba.com highlighting that cost efficiency, supplier reliability, and access to innovative products are key drivers behind this trend.
March Expo is Alibaba.coms flagship sourcing event, connecting millions of buyers with millions of suppliers from around the world, helping them discover the latest product opportunities and build new supplier partnerships while providing attractive promotional offers. A month-long virtual event, March Expo leverages technology and artificial intelligence AI tools to make it easier for UK SMEs to access growth opportunities via global trade. This year saw strong engagement from UK businesses, underlining the increasing importance of digital procurement in todays market.
Alibaba.coms UK order growth was driven by growth across several key product categories across Europe . For instance, orders of products in the Footwear Accessories category more than doubled 105, while Apparel Accessories increased by nearly half 48. Most notably, according to Alibaba.com data, orders for casual sports shoes and football attire increased by 173 and 124, respectively, as demand for sporting goods in Europe continues its growth trajectory and there is rising interest in new and emerging sports - from padel to womens football.
These trends chime with Alibaba.coms recent study, which found that nearly one third 31 of UK SMEs are actively seeking new and trendy products to attract customers, as well as finding trusted suppliers 40 and sustainable products 32. This demonstrates a broader shift in procurement strategy among UK SMEs, who are increasingly looking to expand their product range and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
Strong order growth was also driven by a significant transition towards direct supplier relationships. More than half of UK SMEs 57 plan to change suppliers this year, with many opting for digital sourcing channels such as online B2B marketplaces. Furthermore, just under two thirds 59 of UK SMEs surveyed said digital sourcing is more important now compared to this time last year, demonstrating an increased preference for direct sourcing.