- The WTO’s 2025 World Trade Report forecasts that AI may raise the value of global trade in goods and services by 34–37% by 2040, while global GDP could grow by 12–13%.
- Positive impacts stem from lower costs in logistics, compliance, and communication, as well as higher labor productivity.
- AI translation tools make communication faster and cheaper, opening global markets to small businesses and retailers.
- Exports from low-income countries could rise by up to 11% if they invest in better digital infrastructure.
- However, the WTO warns that without inclusive policies and adequate investment, AI could deepen economic inequality and development gaps.
- WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala stresses AI will transform labor markets, creating new jobs but also eliminating many others. Governments should invest in education, retraining, and social safety nets.
- WTO Deputy Director-General Johanna Hill said AI could be a “bright spot” amid international trade turbulence, especially after the U.S. tariff waves.
- The WTO calls for transparent trade policies and lower tariffs on critical AI inputs like semiconductors to ensure fair benefit-sharing and support global development.
📌 The WTO’s 2025 World Trade Report forecasts that AI could raise the value of global trade in goods and services by 34–37% by 2040, while global GDP may grow by 12–13%. However, inequality risks remain high without inclusive policies. AI is expected to boost exports from poorer countries by 11%, but investments in digital infrastructure and workforce training are needed. The WTO calls for lowering chip tariffs and setting clear trade rules to ensure globally shared benefits.
