Taobao upgrades cross-border shopping with AI and curated products

Taobao, owned by Alibaba, is upgrading its cross-border shopping services to meet rising demand for high-value international purchases. The platform has introduced the Taobao Curated Supply System, which utilizes a combination of artificial intelligence and human selection to identify products based on quality, price competitiveness, and service. This system supports a new ‘Discover’ channel featuring themed categories such as fashion, furniture, and pet supplies.

Technological enhancements include AI-driven shopping assistants and tools for virtual try-ons, virtual makeup, and furniture placement. To improve the user experience, Taobao is redesigning its interface and upgrading international logistics. In Singapore, the platform now offers free shipping for large furniture, while upgraded local return services and improved parcel tracking are being rolled out across multiple markets.

The updates coincide with the 2025 Double 11 shopping festival. Taobao reported a 10% year-on-year increase in cross-border shoppers spending more than RMB 500 (approximately US$70) per order, signaling a shift toward higher-value transactions.