Since ChatGPT ignited the AI revolution in 2022, smart e-commerce has rapidly emerged as a new frontier in the cross-border trade sector. This trend is reaching new heights with the powerful entry of DeepSeek, a rising star in China’s AI landscape.
DeepSeek’s Rise and Adoption:
- DeepSeek’s Background:
- Founded in 2023, DeepSeek is a Chinese AI company specializing in developing cost-effective, high-performance Large Language Models (LLMs) and related technologies.
- During the 2025 Spring Festival, DeepSeek’s core product, R1, soared to the top of global download charts on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
- Market Impact:
- The surge in Chinese AI technology is reshaping the cross-border market.
- As DeepSeek trended on Weibo, numerous major cross-border sellers began adopting this AI innovation.
- Shenzhen-based cross-border giant Daotong Technology is among the first to integrate DeepSeek for cross-border operations, completing its comprehensive integration and localization.
- Fashion retailer Savvy Times and multi-category seller Huakai Yibai are also experimenting with DeepSeek for copywriting, programming, and customer service.
- Reasons for Adoption:
- DeepSeek’s advanced technology and competitive pricing make it a top choice for sellers.
- Deepseek is providing high effeciency and cost reduction.
The Surging Wave of AI E-commerce:
- Early Adoption:
- Even before DeepSeek, AI had become a valuable tool for sellers expanding overseas.
- In 2023, the Yiwu Small Commodities Market launched the world’s first LLM for commodity trade, the Chinagoods AI Innovation Service Platform.
- Sellers like Sun Lijuan leveraged this platform to generate multilingual videos and product details, expanding sales channels.
- A merchant from mexico saw her spanish video, and flew to China to place an order.
- Platform Integration:
- Major e-commerce platforms are actively embracing AI:
- Amazon launched the “Rufus” AI shopping assistant in the U.S.
- Target introduced the “Bullseye Gift Finder” generative AI tool.
- Walmart developed its proprietary AI platform, Wallaby.
- Major e-commerce platforms are actively embracing AI:
- Benefits of AI E-commerce:
- The “AI + e-commerce” model streamlines operations and reduces hassles.
- DeepSeek enhances operational efficiency by:
- Providing 24/7 customer service.
- Processing vast data to predict market trends.
- Offering insights on product selection, logistics, and inventory management.
- Data shows that DeepSeek can reduce customer service response times by 82% and labor costs by 47%.
Government Support and Future Outlook:
- Policy Support:
- A State Council executive meeting in February 2025 emphasized the need to create new products, scenarios, and trends through “AI + consumption,” with a focus on e-commerce applications.
- Future Prospects:
- With increasing policy support and maturing AI technology, the integration of “AI + e-commerce” will deepen, driving innovation and opportunities.
