Alibaba is opening its online platform allowing American companies to sell its products to small businesses around the world.

American companies were previously only allowed to buy on the Alibaba.com platform, but in a bid to compete with online giants Amazon and Shopify they can now sell to other businesses in the US, China and elsewhere, according to CNN.

Alibaba, founded by billionaire Jack Ma, said a produce seller owned by logistics company CH Robinson Worldwide and Office Depot are two of the first American companies to take part in the launch.

Alibaba head of North America B2B John Caplan said: “Alibaba aims to empower entrepreneurs and help them succeed on their own terms.

“We are interested in building an ecosystem of relationships and companies that are helping US small businesses be successful.”

In an interview with CNN, Caplan said he is not “too concerned” about the ongoing US-China trade tensions.