SMEs to Make Major Changes to Sourcing Strategies: Study

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are set to make major changes to their product sourcing strategies this year, according to new data from Alibaba.com. Just over one-third of U.S. SMEs say that sourcing products at more cost-effective prices (36%) is a top priority in 2025. This is followed by finding trusted suppliers (35%), sourcing new and trendy products to acquire new customers (33%), and finding sustainable products (27%).

"U.S. SMEs are becoming more strategic in their sourcing, focusing on affordability, trend responsiveness, and supplier reliability to stay competitive. Our research shows that SMEs are looking beyond cost savings and actively seeking new suppliers to future-proof their businesses. As businesses embrace digital sourcing, they are gaining greater flexibility and access to a wider range of products to support their growth," says Kuo Zhang, president, Alibaba.com.

Key takeaways:

• Nearly half of SMEs in the country (44%) plan to change suppliers, as they increasingly turn to digital sourcing channels, such as online B2B marketplaces, to find new suppliers, source new products and unlock growth.
• Just under two-thirds (59%) of U.S. SMEs surveyed said digital sourcing is more important now compared to this time last year. This indicates an increased preference for direct sourcing – buying goods directly from suppliers, rather than intermediaries.