Picture this: a startup in Nairobi uses AI-powered diagnostics built in Eastern Europe, while an engineer in Buenos Aires trains algorithms on cloud servers in the Chinese mainland. This global exchange could soon be the norm.
WTO's World Trade Report 2025 shows that AI is more than just a buzzword – it's a trade accelerator. Models suggest that by 2040, international trade will climb between 34% and 37%, and global GDP could see a 12% to 13% boost.
Digitally deliverable services, including everything from AI-driven analytics to virtual assistants, are set to surge. The report predicts trade in these services could expand by up to 42%, unlocking new revenue streams for businesses worldwide.
What drives this growth? Trade itself. By importing essential software, data and hardware, countries gain the building blocks to develop their own AI ecosystems. Right now, AI production and services are concentrated in the Chinese mainland, select EU economies and the US. The Chinese mainland and the US lead the pack as the biggest importers of AI-enabling components, while East Asia, led by the Chinese mainland, dominates exports.
For tech entrepreneurs and digital nomads, this is a call to eye emerging markets where AI infrastructure is still under construction. For policy makers and changemakers, the message is clear: fostering open trade channels can democratize AI benefits, from smarter healthcare across Africa to precision farming in South America.
As we surf this wave of innovation, one thing is certain – AI and trade are partners in progress, shaping a future where ideas, data and solutions cross borders at the speed of light.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
