GENEVA, Sept 18 — Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to significantly boost trade in goods and services, said the World Trade Organisation (WTO), reported the German Press Agency (dpa).
Global exports and imports could rise by an additional 37 per cent by 2040 if poorer countries achieve technological catch-up, according to the WTO’s latest World Trade Report, released on Wednesday in Geneva, Switzerland.
It noted that AI programmes are already driving efficiency by increasing transparency in supply chains, automating customs processes, and helping companies navigate complex regulations.
AI’s greatest potential lies in boosting trade in digital services, with the WTO’s model projecting additional growth of nearly 42 per cent in this sector.
For processed goods, the maximum projected AI increase is about 24 per cent, while for raw material trade, it is only about 10 per cent.
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala 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 deepen inequalities rather than reduce them," she said in the report.
The WTO noted that digital infrastructure and technology, as well as skilled personnel, are currently concentrated in a few higher-income countries.
It advocated for targeted educational programmes and other strategies to avoid inequalities.
