Alibaba’s International Arm Launches Updated AI Translation Tool, Marco MT, Outperforming Google and DeepL

Alibaba Launches Updated AI Translation Tool to Boost International Business Growth

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba is making waves in the international market with the launch of its updated artificial intelligence-powered translation tool, Marco MT. The company claims that this new tool surpasses the capabilities of competitors like Google, DeepL, and ChatGPT, based on an assessment by translation benchmark framework Flores.

Alibaba’s international arm released the AI translation product as an update to its previous version, which already boasts 500,000 merchant users. The tool allows sellers to create product pages in the language of their target market, facilitating smoother communication and expanding their reach globally.

The new version of the translation tool is powered by large language models, enabling it to consider contextual clues such as culture and industry-specific terms. Kaifu Zhang, vice president of Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group, emphasized the tool’s potential to enhance merchants’ bottom line, ultimately benefiting the platform as a whole.

With support for 15 languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, and Spanish, Alibaba’s translation tool is poised to meet the needs of a diverse global audience. Zhang anticipates strong demand from Europe, the Americas, and emerging markets, highlighting the tool’s potential to drive growth in these regions.

As Chinese companies increasingly look abroad for growth opportunities, Alibaba’s focus on enhancing its international business comes at a crucial time. The company’s international unit, which includes platforms like AliExpress and Lazada, reported a 32% sales growth in the last quarter, contrasting with a slight drop in sales for its China-focused Taobao and Tmall business.

The updated translation engine is expected to improve the shopping experience for consumers, particularly during events like Alibaba’s Double 11 shopping festival. By providing more authentic and contextually accurate translations, the tool aims to boost conversions and drive sales for merchants on the platform.

As Alibaba continues to expand its presence in the global market, the launch of its advanced AI translation tool signals a strategic move to capitalize on the growing demand for seamless cross-border communication and commerce. With a focus on innovation and user experience, Alibaba is positioning itself for sustained international growth and success in the competitive e-commerce landscape.