This report explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping global trade, productivity, and inclusive growth. It highlights AI’s ability to cut trade costs, expand access to markets, improve logistics, automate customs, reduce language barriers, and strengthen supply chain visibility. WTO simulations suggest AI could boost global trade by 34–37% and raise GDP by 12–13% by 2040, with the strongest growth in digitally delivered services. However, benefits are unevenly distributed. High-income economies are positioned to gain more, while low-income countries risk falling behind without investment in digital infrastructure, education, and supportive policies. AI adoption is concentrated in large firms and digitally advanced regions, creating risks of deepening divides in competitiveness, wages, and access to technology.
The report emphasizes that trade is essential for spreading AI benefits by enabling access to AI-enabling goods like semiconductors, cloud services, and critical minerals, as well as AI-enabled applications such as telemedicine and content creation. It warns that AI could reinforce inequalities if global cooperation and inclusive policies are lacking. Domestic measures like digital infrastructure, renewable energy, education, competition, and intellectual property frameworks will shape outcomes. The WTO’s role is central in promoting open, predictable, and cooperative trade frameworks to ensure AI drives broad-based growth.
Ultimately, the report calls this a moment of strategic choice: AI can either widen divides or foster inclusive prosperity. The outcome will depend on deliberate policy, investment, and international cooperation.
