AliExpress

AliExpress is an online retail service based in China, owned by the Alibaba Group. Launched in 2010, it connects small businesses in China and other locations with international buyers, offering a wide range of products across various categories. The platform operates as a marketplace, allowing independent sellers to offer products directly to consumers, similar to eBay. As of March 2024, AliExpress reported a significant increase in global users, with the mobile app reaching 8.18 million users, marking a 130% year-on-year growth. In 2024, AliExpress integrated its domestic and international e-commerce platforms into a single unit called the Alibaba E-commerce Business Group, aiming to streamline operations and enhance competitiveness. The company has faced regulatory challenges, including investigations by the European Commission into the sale of illegal products on its platform. In response, AliExpress has committed to implementing measures to detect and prevent the sale of counterfeit goods and other illegal items, enhancing transparency and traceability of vendors. Despite these challenges, AliExpress continues to be a major player in the global e-commerce landscape, offering consumers access to a vast array of products from around the world.