AI Goods Trade Surges, Reshaping Global Commerce

In the first half of 2026, AI-related goods trade grew 67% year-on-year, contributing 47% of global merchandise trade growth. The WTO raised its 2026 global merchandise trade volume growth forecast from 1.9% to 3.9%. The report says AI infrastructure investment is driving hardware trade and transforming supply chains, cross-border transactions, and digital services, while also creating challenges around the digital divide and trade rules.