Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba’s international arm has recently launched an updated version of its AI-powered translation tool called Marco MT. This tool is said to be superior to similar products from Google, DeepL, and ChatGPT according to an assessment by the translation benchmark framework Flores. The previous version of the tool already boasts 500,000 merchant users and allows sellers to create product pages in the language of their target market. The new version is solely based on large language models, enabling it to utilize contextual clues such as culture and industry-specific terms to provide accurate translations.
Alibaba’s translation tool, based on its Qwen model, supports 15 languages and is aimed at helping merchants improve their bottom line by expanding their reach in international markets. The Vice President of Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group, Kaifu Zhang, believes there will be significant demand for this tool from regions like Europe, the Americas, and emerging markets. The company has seen over 100 million product listings translated using this tool and aims to enhance the consumer experience through more authentic expressions in their translations.
The company expects the updated AI translation tool to positively impact its annual shopping festival known as Double 11, which takes place on November 11th. By providing more accurate and contextually relevant translations, Alibaba hopes to improve consumer engagement and lead to increased sales during the event. Alibaba’s international business includes platforms like AliExpress and Lazada, with a focus on Southeast Asia, where it reported a 32% sales growth in the quarter ending in June. In contrast, Alibaba’s main e-commerce business in China saw a 1% decline in sales during the same period.
Alibaba’s international unit has been expanding aggressively in global markets, with a growing number of Chinese e-commerce merchants seeking opportunities abroad. Notable entrants include PDD Holdings’ Temu, Shein, and ByteDance’s TikTok, along with various Chinese merchants selling on Amazon.com. The updated translation tool is expected to cater to the needs of these merchants by providing them with the necessary tools to effectively communicate with customers from different regions. Additionally, the tool is included in service bundles for merchants looking to reach overseas users, although specific pricing details were not disclosed by Alibaba.
The development of the AI translation tool highlights Alibaba’s commitment to innovation and its focus on enhancing the user experience for its international customers. By leveraging large language models, the tool helps overcome language barriers and allows merchants to tap into new markets with greater ease. This technological advancement aligns with the company’s strategy to drive growth and revenue through its international business units. With the continued expansion of e-commerce and cross-border trade, Alibaba’s updated translation tool positions itself as a valuable resource for merchants looking to connect with a global audience and drive sales across different regions.
