Serious Sellers Podcast: Learn How To Sell On Amazon FBA & Walmart

#678 - New Alibaba Sourcing Strategies for 2025

Jun 29, 2025

Justin Liu, General Manager for Alibaba.com in North America, shares his journey from China to Georgetown University and highlights his experiences at Amazon. He discusses innovative AI tools and fast domestic sourcing that empower North American suppliers to reach global markets. The conversation addresses overcoming trade challenges, managing tariffs, and how Alibaba’s new sourcing platform, Axial, revolutionizes product discovery. Listen in for insights into navigating international trade and becoming a successful supplier on Alibaba.

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ANECDOTE

Justin Liu's Professional Journey

Justin Liu grew up near Beijing and later earned an MBA from Georgetown University. He then worked at Amazon managing categories before joining Alibaba as North America General Manager.
His diverse background helps him understand and serve sellers well, combining East-West perspectives and retail experience.

INSIGHT

Alibaba Empowers North American Sellers

Alibaba.com buyers are mostly retailers or resellers looking for products to resell at a profit, often preferring ready-to-ship or white-label items.
North American suppliers can use Alibaba to open virtual wholesale stores and reach a global buyer base affordably compared to trade shows or sales teams.

ADVICE

Source Domestically for Speed

Use domestic U.S.-based suppliers on Alibaba for fast sourcing to quickly test trends on platforms like TikTok Shop.
Although margins may be lower than Asian imports, speed reduces risk and lets sellers capitalize on fast-moving trends.

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In this episode, we talk with Alibaba’s US GM about powerful new AI tools, fast domestic sourcing, and how you can become a US-based supplier on Alibaba to reach global buyers.

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Join us as we sit down with Justin Liu, the General Manager for Alibaba.com in North America, to uncover some exciting new AI features on the Alibaba platform. Justin shares his journey from growing up in China and studying at Georgetown University to his experiences at Amazon, where he gained valuable insights into the needs of sellers. Now at Alibaba, he focuses on helping North American suppliers set up storefronts and list products to access a global network of retailers and distributors. This conversation highlights how Alibaba is not just a sourcing hub but a gateway for North American manufacturers to reach international markets, addressing common misconceptions about its services.

In another segment, we explore the challenges of managing tariffs and supply chain risks for sellers expanding their businesses on platforms like TikTok Shop. With Alibaba's vast network of suppliers from various regions, sellers can confidently navigate international trade. We emphasize the importance of risk management tools, such as Alibaba's trade assurance program, which safeguards transactions. Additionally, we introduce Accio, the world's first AI-supported sourcing platform that transforms product discovery through a conversational interface similar to ChatGPT. By integrating with B2B platforms like Alibaba, Accio is setting itself apart as an adaptive resource for sellers worldwide. Listen in as we unpack these strategies and tools that empower sellers to grow their E-commerce businesses.

In episode 678 of the Serious Sellers Podcast, Bradley and Justin discuss:

00:00 - Alibaba's AI Features and Supplier Opportunities
03:39 - Alibaba's Expansion in North America
06:36 - Changing Landscape of E-Commerce Market
13:08 - Account Managers and TikTok Shop Services
13:59 - Managing Tariffs and Supply Chain Risks
18:48 - Managing Risks in Global E-Commerce Sourcing
23:24 - AI-Supported Sourcing Platform for Sellers
23:46 - AI-Based Sourcing Tool