**United States**: A new survey reveals nearly half of US SMEs plan to switch suppliers by 2025, focusing on cost, reliability, and sustainability as they embrace digital sourcing channels and prepare for Alibaba.com’s upcoming March Expo, promising over one million new products.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the United States are poised to revolutionise their product sourcing strategies in 2025, with nearly half indicating plans to seek new suppliers, according to data from a survey conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Alibaba.com, a significant player in B2B e-commerce.
The survey, which involved 1,000 decision makers in SMEs with fewer than 150 employees, revealed that 36% of respondents prioritised sourcing products at cost-effective prices closely followed by 35% emphasizing the need for reliable suppliers. Additionally, 33% cited the importance of acquiring new, trendy products to attract customers, while 27% highlighted the significance of sourcing sustainable products.
With a substantial 44% of SMEs indicating intentions to change their suppliers, many are shifting towards digital sourcing channels, particularly online B2B marketplaces. The findings suggest that direct sourcing—buying directly from suppliers rather than through intermediaries—is becoming more popular, with 59% of those surveyed stating that digital sourcing has gained importance compared to the previous year.
Kuo Zhang, President of Alibaba.com, remarked, “US SMEs are becoming more strategic in their sourcing, focusing on affordability, trend responsiveness, and supplier reliability to stay competitive.” He noted that SMEs are increasingly looking beyond simple cost savings, actively seeking new suppliers as a way to future-proof their businesses.
In response to these changing market dynamics, Alibaba.com is set to host its annual March Expo, which begins on March 1, 2025. The event aims to connect buyers and sellers globally, offering over one million new products at competitive prices, along with various discounts such as shipping fee reductions for first-time orders.
The ongoing transformation in the sourcing landscape for SMEs underlines a trend of increased reliance on digital solutions which is expected to persist as the marketplace evolves.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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