This report by World Trade Organization (WTO) examines key trade-related policy considerations raised by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its convergence with global trade, along with WTO’s critical role in facilitating AI-related trade.

Implications of AI on Trade

• Regulation Fragmentation:  Differences in approaches to AI regulation may have particular impact on trade opportunities for MSMEs.
• Concentration of Industry: Concentration of development and control of AI technology in large economies and companies creates significant trade divide.
• Data Governance challenges: Restrictions on cross-border data flows can increase costs for firms and negatively impact trade.  

Opportunities from AI in Trade

• Overcoming Trade Costs by automating and streamlining customs clearance processes, border controls, and predicting risks.
• Increase in global real trade growth by 14% until 2040 in case of universal AI adoption and high productivity growth.
• Transforming patterns of trade in services, especially digitally delivered services and those that rely on manual processes.

Impact of Trade on AI

• Increasing Cost: Tariffs on Information Technology equipment affect access to and cost of essential AI hardware. 
• Cross-border restrictions: Restrictions in both movement of experts and data can negatively impact AI innovation and development.
• Treaty Provisions: Provisions regarding personal information and privacy included in Regional Trade Agreements has implications for data usage in AI.