CURRENT CONTEXT : The World Trade Organization (WTO) released its World Trade Report 2025, highlighting the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in boosting global trade and growth by 2040.

Relevant Data :

• AI Impact: Could raise global trade by 34–37% and GDP by 12–13% by 2040
• AI-enabling goods trade (2023): USD 3 trillion
• Digital Gap: If low- and middle-income nations halve their digital gap, income may rise by 14–15%
• Barriers:
  • Tariffs on AI goods up to 45%
  • Trade restrictions rose from 130 (2012) → 500 (2024)
• Challenges: Uneven access to AI technologies
• WTO Role: Promotes commitments under ITA & GATS; 80 AI-related trade concerns raised since 2012
• Focus: Need for open and predictable trade environment, digital infrastructure, and workforce skill development