Artificial Intelligence forEfficiency, Sustainabilityand Inclusivity in TradeTech I N S I G H TR E P O R TJ A N U A R Y2 0 2 5 Contents Foreword3 Executive summary4 Introduction: AI’s potential as a trade technology5 AI adoption6AI goals in trade7 1AI: A composite technology for trade9 2Use of AI across the supply chain11 3Use of AI in logistics16 4Use of AI in trade finance19 5Use of AI in customs and trade compliance22 6Cost, complexities and payoffs of AI adoption25 The future of trade: collaboration for convergence31 Contributors33 Endnotes35 Disclaimer This document is published by theWorld Economic Forum as a contributionto a project, insight area or interaction.The findings, interpretations andconclusions expressed herein are a resultof a collaborative process facilitated andendorsed by the World Economic Forumbut whose results do not necessarilyrepresent the views of the World EconomicForum, nor the entirety of its Members,Partners or other stakeholders. ©2025 World Economic Forum. All rightsreserved. No part of this publication maybe reproduced or transmitted in any formor by any means, including photocopyingand recording, or by any informationstorage and retrieval system. Foreword Thani bin Ahmed Al ZeyoudiMinister of State for Foreign Trade,Ministry of Economy of the UnitedArab Emirates Ahmed Jasim Al ZaabiChairman, Abu DhabiDepartment of EconomicDevelopment Børge BrendePresident and CEO,World Economic Forum Artificial intelligence (AI) is not just transformingglobal trade; it is revolutionizing it at an astonishingpace. AI is the driving force behind unprecedentedlevels of efficiency, sustainability and inclusivity,setting a new benchmark for global trade. Buildingon the foundation laid by last year’s comprehensiveTradeTech report, which offered a broad look attechnology’s role in transforming global commerce,this edition delves deeper into the profound impactof AI across supply chains, trade finance, logistics,customs and compliance. AI has transitionedfrom a concept to a tangible reality poised torevolutionize trade by streamlining processes,reducing costs and facilitating a more accessibleand resilient global commerce ecosystem. and aligning global regulations and incentives requirecollaborative, innovative solutions. Unlocking theseopportunities will depend on forging partnerships andsetting shared standards to ensure the benefits of AI-driven trade extend equitably across the globe. The United Arab Emirates and the World EconomicForum are pleased to partner on the TradeTechGlobal Initiative, aiming to revolutionize global trade.The United Arab Emirates is rapidly emerging as aglobal powerhouse and a central hub for innovationin trade. Together, we are committed to empoweringbusinesses and communities worldwide, ensuringno one is left behind in this era of transformation. Let us unite in shaping the future of trade, whereAI catalyses seamless cross-border commerce,shared prosperity and inclusive opportunities for all.We call upon all stakeholders to join us in propellingthis bold vision forward. This report underscores that realizing AI’s fullpotential demands overcoming challenges thattranscend borders and institutions. Establishinginteroperable systems, ensuring verifiable processes, Executive summary AI is transforming global trade in waysthat reshape both who participates andhow business is done. From enabling small firms to compete globally tomaking supply chains more sustainable, artificialintelligence’s (AI) impact extends far beyondefficiency gains. This report examines both how AIis currently being used in trade and the choices thatwill define its future effects. The fragmented implementation of AI across globaltrade, or “AI divergence”, can increase real tradegrowth but concentrate the benefits of AI into “tradeislands” – AI-powered hubs that offer superiorefficiency but with limited participation. This couldexacerbate global inequality in the short term, muchas containerization initially benefited North-Northtrade more than other flows. Concrete examples of AI use in supply chains,logistics, trade finance, and customs and complianceare presented throughout the report, demonstratingthe range of benefits AI can unlock in terms ofefficiency, sustainability and inclusivity. These include: Despite the incentives to use AI in trade processes,the difficulty of implementation threatens ecosystem-wide adoption. This report offers an actionablematrix, indicating the specific areas where AIadoption is more likely given its potential impactrelative to its ease of implementation, highlightingareas where stakeholder incentives are aligned andareas where more extensive collaboration is required. –Opening new markets, particularly for small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) –Enabling efficient automation Four factors can increase the ease of AIimplementation in trade: –Enhancing supply-chain visibility –Promoting sustainability by supporting circulareconomy