The World Trade Organization predicts artificial intelligence will supercharge global commerce, with new projections showing trade could surge by up to 37% and GDP by 13% within two decades. The findings from the World Trade Report 2025 reveal AI-driven services could expand by 42%, reshaping economic landscapes worldwide.
China emerges as a central player in this transformation, leading East Asia's dominance in AI component exports alongside the US and EU. The report highlights how cross-border collaboration enables access to critical AI resources, with the Chinese mainland and US currently importing the majority of key enabling technologies.
While digitally deliverable services show the strongest growth potential, the WTO emphasizes that equitable access to AI infrastructure will determine which economies benefit most. Researchers note this technological shift could create new opportunities across developing Asian markets through improved supply chain efficiency and service innovation.
