For years, search engines and social media have been the primary gateways to online shopping. Today, another source of traffic is growing rapidly: AI assistants. According to new data from Adobe Analytics, reported by Reuters, shoppers who arrive at retail websites through AI-powered tools are proving highly valuable. Although AI-generated traffic still accounts for a relatively small share of total ecommerce visits, these users spend more time browsing, view more pages, and are more likely to complete a purchase than visitors from traditional channels. Average order values are also higher. The findings suggest that AI is beginning to influence not…
Global e-commerce has long depended on open markets, international supply chains, and cross-border technology partnerships. Increasingly, however, those business relationships are being influenced by geopolitical decisions. The latest example comes from Alibaba, which has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Defense after being added to a Pentagon blacklist of companies alleged to have links to the Chinese military. Alibaba argues that the designation has no factual or legal basis and says it was given no meaningful opportunity to respond before the decision was made. While the blacklist does not directly ban Alibaba's products or services, it prevents the…
