DHL and Alibaba.com partner on AI-powered logistics for SMEs

DHL Group and Alibaba.com have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the application of artificial intelligence in international logistics. The partnership aims to simplify cross-border trade for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by reducing the complexity of managing global shipping requirements.

A primary focus of the collaboration involves integrating DHL Global Forwarding’s services with Accio, Alibaba.com’s agentic AI platform. This integration is intended to provide SMEs with a no-code digital tool to handle tasks such as sourcing, supplier discovery, real-time freight quotes, and shipment booking and execution.

The agreement, announced at the Alibaba.com CoCreate 2026 Conference in Los Angeles, represents the first step in a planned series of AI-supported logistics tools designed to lower barriers to international expansion for smaller businesses.