Alibaba’s Accio AI Agent Set to Revolutionize Online Merchants’ Sourcing Process

Alibaba Group Holding’s international commerce arm has unveiled a new artificial intelligence agent designed to transform how merchants source products and supplies online. The AI tool, named Accio Agent, was introduced by Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group (AIDC) on Thursday. It aims to automate up to 70% of traditionally time-consuming tasks such as product ideation, prototyping, compliance checks, and supplier sourcing. This innovation represents a significant advancement in the concept of agentic purchase — where AI agents manage the entire process from product discovery to fulfilment. The technology has the potential to fundamentally reshape online search, advertising, and e-commerce models, especially as other tech giants like Amazon develop similar AI agents. Alibaba claims that Accio Agent can reduce the weeks-long market research and product sourcing process to just a few minutes. This efficiency not only cuts costs but also accelerates operations for merchants, many of whom are small and medium-sized businesses or solo entrepreneurs.

"[Accio Agent] is designed to help you do business," said Zhang Kuo, vice-president at AIDC. He added that the agent can handle multiple tasks simultaneously and function like a team of professionals — including sourcing specialists, developers, engineers, and market researchers.

The Accio Agent was trained on a vast amount of data to ensure its capabilities in handling complex sourcing tasks efficiently. This launch signals Alibaba’s commitment to leveraging AI to streamline international commerce and empower merchants with cutting-edge digital tools.

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Source: Originally published at South China Morning Post on Thu, 14 Aug 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

About Accio Agent

Q: What is Accio Agent? A: Accio Agent is a new artificial intelligence tool launched by Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group (AIDC) to help online merchants streamline their product sourcing process. Q: What does Accio Agent automate? A: It aims to automate up to 70% of time-consuming tasks in the sourcing process, including product ideation, prototyping, compliance checks, and supplier sourcing. Q: How much time does Accio Agent save? A: Alibaba claims it can reduce the weeks-long market research and product sourcing process to just a few minutes. Q: What is "agentic purchase"? A: Agentic purchase refers to a process where AI agents manage the entire sourcing journey, from product discovery to fulfillment. Q: What roles can Accio Agent perform? A: Accio Agent can function like a team of professionals, including sourcing specialists, developers, engineers, and market researchers, and can handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Crypto Market AI's Take

The introduction of Alibaba's Accio Agent represents a significant leap forward in leveraging AI for e-commerce and supply chain management. This move mirrors broader trends in the AI and crypto space, where intelligent automation is increasingly being integrated into various sectors. For businesses operating in the digital economy, such AI-driven solutions can drastically improve efficiency and reduce operational costs. At AI Crypto Market, we explore how AI is transforming various industries, including finance and trading, with tools like AI-powered trading bots and advanced market analysis. Understanding these advancements is crucial for staying competitive in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape.

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