**Global:** The March Expo event saw a 27% increase in US SME orders, highlighting a shift towards online sourcing, particularly for sports products. Demand for pickleball items surged by 197%, as SMEs adapt to direct procurement methods amid rising digital trends.
Alibaba.com’s March Expo, an annual online sourcing event, has revealed a significant increase in order volume from US small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The platform noted a 27% rise in orders from US buyers this year compared to the same period last year, highlighting a notable shift towards digital sourcing mechanisms.
The events at March Expo, which runs throughout March, aim to connect buyers with suppliers globally, facilitating partnerships and providing promotional incentives. This year, the event particularly saw a surge in interest in sports products, with orders in that category increasing by approximately 30%. Specifically, the demand for pickleball-related products skyrocketed by an impressive 197%, reflecting a broader trend of growth in the sporting goods sector in the United States.
Another critical factor contributing to the growth in orders is the movement among SMEs toward digital sourcing—purchasing directly from suppliers instead of going through intermediaries. Recent research indicates that nearly 44% of SMEs plan to switch suppliers in 2025, with many opting for online B2B marketplaces as their sourcing channels. Furthermore, about 59% of SMEs surveyed expressed that digital sourcing holds more significance now than in the previous year, illustrating a clear preference for direct procurement methods.
Kuo Zhang, President of Alibaba.com, remarked on the increase in digital sourcing, saying, “During this year’s March Expo, there has been a noticeable shift in favour 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 recognise the benefits of online sourcing, from affordability to trend responsiveness and supplier reliability.” He added that the growing interest in sports-related products shows that SME buyers are actively engaging with consumer trends.
The data for this increase was gathered between March 1 and March 7, 2025, and analysis of SMEs was conducted by Censuswide, which surveyed 1,000 decision-makers from companies with under 150 employees. The findings suggest that digital sourcing not only provides access to a broader range of products but also enhances flexibility for businesses aiming to expand their market reach.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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