The World Trade Organization’s 2025 World Trade Report finds that artificial intelligence (AI) could propel the value of global trade in goods and services by nearly 40% by 2040, provided policies are put in place to bridge the digital divide and support workforce skills. The report highlights that AI-driven cost reductions and productivity gains have the potential to add up to 37% to global trade volumes and boost global GDP by 12-13% under various scenarios.
However, realizing these gains requires proactive investments in digital infrastructure, education, and open trade regulations, especially for low- and middle-income economies. Without such measures, gaps in access and restrictive trade policies could worsen inequality and leave many countries behind amid the AI revolution.
To know more about the report’s findings and recommendations, read more on the World Trade Organization’s official site.