Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to boost global trade by nearly 40 percent by 2040, provided significant gaps in technology access and capacity are bridged, according to a new study published in the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) World Trade Report 2025. 

The report, titled “Trade and Digital Platforms: Reimagining Global Commerce,” highlights the transformative role that artificial intelligence (AI) and digital platforms are playing in reshaping international trade dynamics.

Gains from AI-powered solutions

According to the WTO study, AI-driven technologies can significantly enhance productivity, reduce transaction costs, and open new markets for businesses worldwide. The report presents detailed analysis showing that firms adopting AI-powered solutions—such as machine learning algorithms, automated supply chain management, and demand forecasting—experience gains that translate into increased trade volume. However, this potential can only be realized if disparities in digital infrastructure, skills, and regulatory frameworks across countries are addressed comprehensively.

The WTO paper elaborates that AI’s integration with digital platforms acts as a catalyst for trade expansion by facilitating seamless interactions between buyers and sellers on a global scale. Digital platforms use AI tools to optimize logistics, customize customer experiences, and support cross-border payments, driving efficiency and lowering entry barriers, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

According to the report, AI’s impact on trade is not limited to physical goods but extends significantly into digitally enabled services, which are rapidly growing as a share of global commerce. AI advances enable services such as data processing, cloud computing, and remote professional work to be delivered more efficiently across borders. The WTO report notes that this is reshaping trade patterns and value chains, creating new opportunities for countries with advanced digital economies but also challenging policymakers to manage emerging risks.

While the WTO study highlights AI’s benefits, it also cautions that without coordinated policy efforts, these advances could exacerbate existing inequalities. The report warns that countries and businesses lacking robust digital infrastructure, adequate regulatory regimes, and skilled workforces may be left behind, undermining the inclusive growth potential of AI-enhanced trade. Bridging these digital divides is therefore crucial, the WTO emphasizes.

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