At Alibaba’s headquarters in Hangzhou, the auditorium was filled to capacity, with attendees standing along walls and sitting on stairs. Hundreds of Chinese small-business entrepreneurs listened intently as Alibaba representatives took the stage to convey confidence in China’s ability to withstand the impact of U.S. tariffs.
Wang Shan, a digital marketing executive, explained, “Since early April, we have been analyzing and strategizing how to adapt our approaches amid this rapidly evolving policy landscape.”
She added, “The consensus is clear: business must continue to expand internationally. Ultimately, this situation challenges our own capabilities and resilience.”
For many Chinese entrepreneurs engaged in exporting online goods to the United States, this mindset has become essential. The U.S. remains China’s largest export market for e-commerce, accounting for over one-third of online sales, according to official figures. This trade encompasses a wide range of buyers—from individual consumers purchasing affordable items from brands like Shein or Temu to small-business owners sourcing products through platforms such as DHGate or Alibaba for resale.
The gathering in Hangzhou provided insight into how China emerged as a global force in online retail and highlighted strategies the sector is exploring to navigate the current trade tensions.
China’s e-commerce growth has become a defining element of its broader economic ascent. Alibaba’s founder Jack Ma, whose transformation from an English teacher to a pioneering entrepreneur symbolizes this rise, played a central role in shaping the country’s digital marketplace.
