Smackdown! Alibaba vs Amazon vs eBay
September 19, 2014
How do the three e-commerce giants stack up? We take a look at Alibaba vs Amazon vs eBay.
With Alibaba poised to join the US stock markets in barely hours from now, we offer you a glimpse of the size and might of China’s e-commerce behemoth. We compare it to two of its western counterparts: eBay and Amazon. Riding high on China’s consumer and entrepreneurial boom, Alibaba is already bigger than Amazon and eBay combined in terms of total transaction volume. On Single’s Day last year (11 November 2013), Alibaba’s transaction volume was a whopping $5.7 billion in one day! On a whim we did a back-of-the-envelope calculation back then which left us dumbfounded: if Alibaba were a country and if we use that day’s sales as a proxy for GDP, it would be the 148th-largest country in the world ahead of the likes of Malawi and Bermuda.
At the initial public offering price of $68 a share, Alibaba’s value now stands at $167.6 billion and is poised to replace Amazon as the world’s largest online retailer by market capitalization.
Intrigued? Read on.
As you can see from the graphic, the transaction value on Alibaba’s shopping platforms, thanks to its dominance in China’s vast e-commerce market, is bigger than that of Amazon and eBay combined.
The firm has also shown strong growth momentum in recent quarters, outpacing its American counterparts in revenue; some investors estimate that its profit will grow to $7 billion in 2015.
However, one of the uncertainties about Alibaba’s future growth is whether it can compete head-to-head with Amazon and eBay on a global scale.
Currently less than 10% of the company’s revenue comes from outside China, while Amazon and eBay enjoy a much bigger slice of the international market. On the other hand, Alibaba’s two competitors are not doing well in China at all—eBay pulled out of the Middle Kingdom way back in 2012, while Amazon China has garnered a mere 2.7% of the local market, according to China E-Business Research Center.
Enjoying what you’re reading?
Article Subscribe (1)
CKGSB Report
Our Programs
Emerging Tech Management Week: Silicon Valley
Global Unicorn Program Series
In partnership with UC Berkeley College of Engineering
A technology management program for leaders looking to turn emerging technologies into business opportunities.
Combining proven strategies and cutting-edge research, the program helps participants fuel innovation, seize opportunities in emerging technologies, and catalyze transformation within their organizations. Designed for managers, start-up leaders, and technology investors, it includes visits to venture capital firms and technology companies, alongside mentored group projects.
LocationUC Berkeley, California, United States
Date01 - 06 Nov, 2026
LanguageEnglish
Intelligent China: AI, EVs & Smart Manufacturing
A three-part program examining China’s advances in AI, electric vehicles, and smart manufacturing.
Through faculty-led sessions, company visits, and exchanges with industry leaders, gain practical insights for your organization's strategy, partnerships, and investment decisions. Join an individual four-day program or complete the full 12-day series.
LocationBeijing, Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Hangzhou
Date December 2026 – July 2027 (three 4-day programs)
LanguageEnglish
Emerging Markets: Innovation and Scaling for Exponential Growth – ASEAN
A China-focused innovation program for ASEAN executives and business owners responding to the impact of AI on their industries.
Gain insights from leading Chese thinkers in Jakarta, with an optional immersion in China and opportunities to connect with the business leaders driving innovation. The program offers a closer look at how developments in China could affect your industry and business.
LocationJakarta, Indonesia
Date2–4 December 2026
LanguageEnglish (with Chinese translation)
Stanford & Silicon Valley Immersion Program
Global Unicorn Program Series
In partnership with Stanford Engineering Center for Global & Online Education
A Silicon Valley immersion for entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, and investors leading and scaling AI-driven companies.
The program combines academic learning with visits to AI and robotics labs and Silicon Valley companies, giving participants direct exposure to emerging technologies and the businesses developing and applying them.
LocationStanford University Campus, California, United States
Date06 - 11 Dec, 2026
LanguageEnglish with Chinese Translation
Asia Start: AI + Digital China Expedition
An immersive program for entrepreneurs and executives looking to understand China's AI and digital economy firsthand.
Gain the latest trends and insights, strategies, and connections to overcome challenges and support future business growth in Asia and beyond.
LocationChina (Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou & optional Shenzhen)
DateApril 19–24, 2027
LanguageEnglish
