Summary

The active adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in global trade could increase cross-border flows of goods and services by nearly 40% by 2040, driven by higher productivity and lower costs. Such growth would become an important factor for economic development and inclusiveness, giving countries access to AI-enabled goods and resources, including raw materials, semiconductors, and intermediate products. At the same time, the report stresses that these outcomes are unattainable without an open and predictable trade policy based on international rules. The WTO also highlights the need for greater investment in education and skills development to mitigate the risk of rising inequality associated with AI adoption.