The integration of artificial intelligence is reshaping cross-border trade, particularly in Yiwu, China, where merchants are using AI agents to streamline transactions and boost operational efficiency. Recent developments at the Global Digital Trade Center show how these technologies are expediting deals and fundamentally altering business operations in the international marketplace.
At a recent event in Yiwu, merchant Wei Jun highlighted the benefits of AI in executing a swift transaction for 1,000 starry-sky projector lamps. While his buyer from Kenya examined the products, an AI agent communicated automatically with relevant teams, cutting out the delays often seen in international trade. This capability illustrates AI's potential to transform traditional business models, allowing for direct interactions between buyers and sellers.
Yiwu, known as the "world's supermarket," hosts the largest wholesale market for small commodities globally, catering to 233 countries with over 2.1 million product varieties. In 2025, the city’s export activities ranked first among all county-level regions in China, underscoring its significant role in global trade dynamics. A recent surge in sales, driven by strategic insights from local merchants, results from AI-driven trend analysis and prompt decision-making, enabling businesses to quickly adapt to market demands.
Merchant Li Shenghai, who transitioned from operations to AI skills development, shared how AI agents are streamlining data collection and analysis. "It used to take us a lot of time to collect and sort information from different platforms. Now, we let AI agents handle the heavy lifting," he said. This change not only boosts efficiency but also levels the playing field for smaller players in the industry.
The impact of AI is particularly clear for novice entrepreneurs. Zhang Qianchao, who entered the cross-border e-commerce market without prior experience, used eight AI agents from Accio Work, an Alibaba platform, to successfully launch an online store selling customized baseball caps. The agents assist with market research, product design, and trade policy analysis, drastically reducing the product development cycle from weeks to just hours. Within two months of launching, Zhang sold over 3,000 caps across multiple international markets, demonstrating how AI can empower new businesses.
Experts like Hong Yong from the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation point out the shift of AI from a technological focus to its integration with real economic activities, including manufacturing and consumer services. This strategic pivot is reflected in the Chinese government's 15th Five-Year Plan, which aims to enhance AI applications across various sectors and improve multimodal systems and swarm intelligence.
The implications of these advancements reach beyond individual businesses. Industry expert Pan Helin emphasizes that AI agents are tightening global market connections. By improving supply chain efficiency, China’s digital services are enabling "Made in China" products to reach international consumers with greater precision. As AI continues to develop, its role in shaping the future of cross-border trade is becoming increasingly crucial, providing both established and emerging businesses a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
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