The world trade organization (WTO) sees artificial intelligence as an important engine for trade in goods and services. The use of these technologies could grow global exports and imports by an additional 37 percent by 2040 if poorer states catch up technologically, the organization’s world trade report in Geneva said.
According to the study, AI programs are already contributing to efficiency increases-they ensure more transparency of supply chains, automate customs methods and make it easier to comply with complex rules.
Digital services could benefit the most
The expected AI thrust is greatest in the trade in digital services: the WTO model calculation results in additional growth of up to almost 42 percent. In the case of processed goods, the maximum forecast AI plus is around 24 percent, and only almost 10 percent when trading raw materials.
At the same time, according to information that is needed for artificial intelligence, there are an important role in world trade. This includes raw materials or semiconductors. The trade in such products therefore had a value of $ 2.3 trillion (1.9 trillion euros) in 2023.
WTO’s boss warns of risks
WTO General Director Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala not only referred to the positive aspects of AI, but also warned of a growing gap between rich and poor-both internationally and within countries. “Without proactive political measures and stronger international cooperation, AI could rather deepen inequalities than reduce,” she wrote in the report.
The WTO pointed out that digital infrastructure and technology as well as qualified staff are currently still concentrated on a few countries with higher incomes. The report campaigned, among other things, for targeted educational programs to avoid inequalities.