AliExpress Dropshipping has been the subject of loud debates throughout 2024 and 2025. Many creators, store owners, and influencers are saying that “AliExpress is dead,” blaming long delivery times, disappointed customers, and new competition from TikTok Shop and faster local suppliers. The question is everywhere: Is the business model collapsing or simply changing direction?

The quick truth is simple. AliExpress dropshipping isn’t dead. The market is expanding, but the old version of the model is falling apart. The classic approach built on slow shipping, no branding, and low costs is disappearing fast. The only sellers succeeding in 2025 are the ones who adjust to new logistics, higher customer expectations, and hybrid sourcing models.

The 2025 Market Reality: Dropshipping Is Growing, Not Shrinking

A. The global dropshipping market is expanding

Multiple research groups show that dropshipping keeps growing. Reports from Grand View Research and Precedence Research project the market to reach USD 434–464 billion in 2025. The growth stays in double digits. This proves that consumer behavior is still on the side of convenience and direct-to-consumer buying. People enjoy easy online shopping. They’re not turning away from the model. They’re just expecting more from sellers.

B. AliExpress remains massive in traffic and product volume

Platforms like SimilarWeb and Semrush show that AliExpress continues to receive hundreds of millions of monthly visits. With this type of traffic, product diversity, and supplier count, AliExpress stays one of the easiest places to test ideas. There are thousands of product niches available on demand. The low entry barriers make it the top testing platform for beginners and for experienced sellers who want fast product validation.

Key takeaway:
Dropshipping isn’t dying. Shoppers changed the way they buy. The shift comes from what customers expect, not from the collapse of the model.

What Changed From 2020 to 2025? The Shift That Shook AliExpress

People think AliExpress dropshipping is dying because the landscape changed extremely fast. Between 2020 and 2025, the expectations of buyers changed more than they did in the previous decade.

A. Consumer expectations skyrocketed

Shipping analysis by Mega Digital shows that standard AliExpress delivery times fall between 15–45 days. In 2025, buyers expect their package in 7–10 days. Amazon, Temu, and TikTok Shop shaped a new level of expectation. Slow shipping isn’t tolerated in the same way it once was.

B. Supply chain competition intensified

TikTok Shop introduced in-platform fulfillment that cuts lead times by a large margin. Case studies from ShipBob show brands reducing dispatch delays and receiving higher conversion rates by moving to alternative fulfillment options. These platforms reward speed.

C. Rising regulatory scrutiny

A report from the WSJ highlights an EU probe into AliExpress under DSA compliance. The result is more pressure on seller identification, safety guidelines, and better consumer protections. This creates more rules for sellers and suppliers.

D. Social platforms reward faster shipping

TikTok, Meta, and Shopify all push sellers toward faster shipping times. Slow delivery hurts visibility. If a seller ships slowly, the algorithm often reduces the reach of ads or product listings.

Key takeaway:
The environment didn’t destroy the platform. Customer expectations moved faster than AliExpress’ standard delivery options could handle.

The Five Pain Points Killing the Old AliExpress Model

1. Slow shipping (15–45 days typical)

Long delivery times remain the top reason customers ask for refunds. Mega Digital data shows that Premium Shipping can cut the time down to 7–15 days, but many sellers still rely on slow default options. Buyers expect fast and reliable service.

2. Inconsistent product quality

Some suppliers on AliExpress run without strong quality checks. Product variations, different materials, or inconsistent batches lead to unhappy customers. Without branding or consistency, sellers lose repeat buyers.

3. Weak tracking and high lost-package rates

Basic AliExpress tracking often updates slowly. Customers feel stressed when they cannot see their package location for days. That leads to support pressure and refund requests.

4. Complicated returns

Returning an item through AliExpress suppliers can take weeks. It’s often costly and time-consuming. Some sellers choose to refund instead of processing the return.

5. Platform and regulatory risk

With growing attention from regulators, AliExpress may introduce more restrictions. The EU probe described by the WSJ indicates tighter rules in the pipeline.

Key takeaway:
Sellers aren’t walking away from dropshipping. They’re walking away from old AliExpress habits like slow shipping and low-quality suppliers.

Real Case Studies Showing the New Direction (2024–2025 Shift)

A. TikTok fulfillment boosts performance

A ShipBob report shows a brand that cut delivery time by 36% and reduced late dispatch by switching to TikTok fulfillment. Faster shipping improves conversion, increases profit, and lowers complaints.

B. AliExpress Premium Shipping

Dropship.it and other platforms confirm that sellers using Premium Shipping or local AliExpress warehouses achieve 7–15 day global delivery. This is a major upgrade from older timelines.

C. Shifts to US/EU-based suppliers

Suppliers like TopDawg highlight a migration toward domestic sources. These suppliers cost more per unit, but the trade-off is fewer refunds, fewer customer complaints, and stronger conversion rates.

Key takeaway:
 Sellers who adopt modern fulfillment strategies outperform everyone else.

The 2025 Playbook: How AliExpress Dropshippers Survive (and Win)

1. Start with AliExpress for testing — scale with hybrid sourcing

AliExpress remains the top option for quick testing. Once a product wins, shift to faster sources like TikTok FBT, warehouses, or local suppliers. This mix gives both flexibility and speed.

2. Use AliExpress Premium Shipping or local warehouses

Switching from 25–40 day times to 7–15 days leads to higher customer satisfaction and more repeat buyers.

3. Build a branded offer

Branding changes everything. Packaging, inserts, and better presentation give a premium experience. A strong brand earns trust. This reduces the need to rely on cheap, trending items.

4. Implement QC scripts

Create a script to message suppliers before ordering large batches. Ask for product photos, shipping timelines, and packaging details. This reduces mistakes and improves the consistency of orders.

5. Automate using AI for product testing and customer support

Use AI tools to generate creatives, analyze feedback, write scripts, and respond to customers. Automation frees up time and improves accuracy.

6. Focus on platforms that reward fast shipping

Fast shipping helps on:

  • TikTok Shop
  • Instagram Reels
  • Shopify stores using domestic fulfillment apps

These platforms push sellers with faster delivery toward better placement and visibility.

Downloadable resource: “AliExpress-to-Hybrid Migration Checklist”
 (A helpful tool to guide readers through switching from AliExpress to hybrid sourcing.)

Counterarguments and How to Address Them

Objection: “AliExpress is still the cheapest.”

AliExpress is great for testing. It’s not ideal for scaling unless Premium Shipping or local warehouses are used. Cheap doesn’t solve long-term delivery problems.

Objection: “Local suppliers cost too much.”

Local suppliers cost more per unit but save money through fewer returns, fewer disputes, and better conversion rates. Better delivery also leads to repeat buyers.

Objection: “Dropshipping is saturated.”

The industry is reaching USD 434–464B in 2025. Saturation is not the main issue. Strategy is what limits most sellers, not the business model.

The 2026 Outlook: Is AliExpress Going Away?

A. AliExpress will remain relevant, but for testing, not scaling

AliExpress will continue to serve as the top testing source. Scaling will increasingly depend on faster fulfillment.

B. Watch for continued regulatory pressure

EU rules and consumer protection requirements will shape the next stage of AliExpress operations.

C. Expect more platform innovation

AliExpress is likely to improve logistics and offer new options to compete with platforms like TikTok and Temu.

Final verdict:
AliExpress dropshipping isn’t going away. The slow and outdated version of it is fading. The path forward is faster shipping, quality control, hybrid sourcing, and branding.

Conclusion

The industry isn’t dying. It’s transforming. Sellers willing to improve their shipping methods, sourcing strategies, and customer experience will continue to thrive. The road ahead favors speed, quality, and creativity.

Are you planning to stick with AliExpress, switch to local suppliers, or try a hybrid approach? Share your strategy in the comments.

FAQ

1. Is AliExpress dropshipping still profitable in 2025?

Yes. It’s profitable when using faster shipping, better suppliers, and a hybrid approach for scaling.

2. How long does AliExpress shipping take now?

Standard shipping takes 15–45 days, while Premium Shipping offers 7–15 days.

3. Should beginners start with AliExpress or local suppliers?

AliExpress works well for testing. Local suppliers work better for scaling and creating a brand.

4. Is TikTok fulfillment better than AliExpress?

For speed, yes. TikTok fulfillment often leads to faster delivery and better results.

5. What is the best sourcing strategy for 2025?

Test with AliExpress. Scale with hybrid sourcing. Use local suppliers, warehouses, or TikTok FBT for speed.