The World Trade Organization (WTO) released a report on December 21 predicting that by 2040, artificial intelligence technology will drive the growth of global cross-border goods and services trade by 34%-37%, and at the same time drive global GDP growth by 12%-13%. The report points out that AI technology will empower global trade through multiple dimensions such as improving logistics efficiency, reducing trade costs, and expanding market coverage, especially creating more opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises to participate in international trade.

The report also warns that the digital divide may restrict the full release of AI trade dividends, and developing countries need to strengthen digital infrastructure construction and technology popularization. The WTO calls on countries to strengthen international cooperation, improve digital trade rules, and promote the fair application of AI technology in the field of trade. At present, major global economies have begun to layout AI+trade-related policies, promoting collaborative cooperation in areas such as cross-border data flow and digital identity authentication, laying the foundation for AI-driven trade growth.