Aluminum China has launched an online B2B marketplace and supply chain platform for aluminum products.
Dubbed “ALU connect,” the new offering is designed to connect global buyers with Chinese suppliers. It currently allows access to more than 100 manufacturers verified by Aluminum China, an annual trade show organized by RX Greater China, Aluminum China said in a Monday (Dec. 5) press release.
“The online sourcing strategy presents not only opportunities, but challenges as it makes it harder to identify trusted suppliers and examine products,” the company said in the release. “Leveraging its almost two decades of experience in China’s aluminum industry and extensive business network across the globe, Aluminum China has created ALU connect to ensure transparency and quality, giving users peace of mind while looking for partners in China.”
ALU connect’s background verification team checks the credibility of images, documents and certification information uploaded by suppliers, according to the press release.
The platform also streamlines the process of connecting, quoting and ordering products. It includes bespoke services that help onboard new users, a matchmaking service that facilitates engagement and communication tools that enable users to connect with suppliers, the release said.
It also provides updates on China’s aluminum industry and organizes virtual exhibitions that help users discover new aluminum materials, aluminum processing equipment and accessories, per the release.
PYMNTS research has found that 61% of firms are selling more on digital marketplaces now than they did one year ago, and the larger the firm’s size, the more likely it is to be using more marketplaces.
According to “Online Sellers: The Future is Multichannel,” 68% of firms with annual revenues in 2021 of more than $100 million said they are using more marketplaces, while the same was said by 63% of firms between $5 million and $100 million and 52% of firms with annual revenue of less than $5 million.