AliExpress

AliExpress is a cross-border B2C retail platform under Alibaba Group, mainly targeting global individual consumers and known as the 'international version of Taobao'. It allows Chinese sellers to sell products directly to overseas buyers, supports multiple languages and currencies, and integrates international logistics (e.g., Cainiao) and payment (e.g., Escrow) services. Use cases: suitable for small and medium-sized sellers, factories, or brand owners to expand into overseas markets through retail, especially influential in emerging markets such as Russia, Brazil, and Spain. Precautions: sellers must comply with platform rules (e.g., product certification, intellectual property, shipping timeliness) and pay attention to import tariffs and prohibited item lists in different countries. Difference from Alibaba.com (B2B): AliExpress focuses on small retail and online transactions, while Alibaba.com emphasizes bulk procurement and inquiries; compared with Amazon, AliExpress has lower entry barriers, but average order value and brand premium are usually lower. Foreign trade practitioners can use AliExpress for market testing, clearing inventory, or directly reaching end consumers.