Alibaba.com is pushing for full AI adoption by merchants by the end of 2025 as part of its global expansion strategy. Zhang Kuo, president of Alibaba’s international wholesale marketplace, has stated that AI will play a key role in improving the platform’s efficiency for both sellers and buyers.

Speaking about the initiative, Zhang expressed confidence that artificial intelligence will handle various aspects of online commerce, making processes more manageable for merchants. “I believe that by the end of this year, [the adoption rate] should be 100 per cent,” he said.

Alibaba has already implemented AI in various areas, such as automated product recommendations, smart customer service, and AI-driven marketing tools. The company expects merchants to increasingly rely on these AI solutions for managing listings, processing orders, and handling customer interactions.

According to Zhang, once sellers experience the convenience and efficiency of AI-powered systems, they will be more inclined to adopt them fully. “In the end, when they feel that these parts are easier to manage and [the AI agents] provide better performance … those parts should be taken care of by AI,” he explained.

The company has been expanding its AI capabilities to make international trade easier for merchants. Automated translation services, smart pricing tools, and AI-driven logistics management are some of the features being improved. The goal is to help businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, compete more effectively in global markets.

Alibaba’s strategy aligns with a broader industry trend where e-commerce platforms are integrating AI to streamline operations and improve customer experience. The company believes AI can enhance efficiency while allowing sellers to focus on business growth.

With the growing importance of AI in e-commerce, Alibaba is positioning itself as a leader in this transformation. Zhang’s confidence in reaching full AI adoption by 2025 reflects the company’s commitment to leveraging technology for a more efficient and competitive marketplace.