Geneva: The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence is beginning to have a measurable impact on international trade, with strong demand for AI-related products helping support global merchandise trade in 2026.

Recent analysis by the World Trade Organization (WTO) shows that trade in goods connected with the development and operation of artificial intelligence has grown significantly, particularly in areas such as advanced semiconductors, computing equipment and electronic components.

AI hardware becomes a major trade driver

The global AI industry depends on a complex international supply chain.

Advanced processors, memory chips, servers, networking equipment and other components are produced across multiple economies before being assembled and shipped to customers around the world.

This has created growing trade flows involving economies that specialise in semiconductor manufacturing, electronics production, computing equipment and related technologies.

Strong growth in AI-enabling goods

According to the latest WTO analysis, the value of trade in AI-enabling goods increased by more than 40 percent year-on-year during the first quarter of 2026.

The growth reflects strong demand for the hardware required to train and operate increasingly sophisticated AI systems.

Data centres have become particularly important consumers of advanced computing equipment as technology companies expand their AI infrastructure.

Electronics supply chains gain importance

Semiconductors are at the centre of the AI-related trade expansion.

High-performance processors and memory products are essential for AI systems, while networking equipment allows large computing facilities to connect and transfer enormous quantities of data.

As demand rises, manufacturers and suppliers across Asia, North America and Europe are becoming increasingly important parts of the global AI supply chain.

Impact on global merchandise trade

The increase in AI-related goods trade has helped offset weakness in some other areas of international merchandise trade.

The WTO analysis suggests that technology-related demand has become an increasingly visible contributor to global trade growth.

However, the impact is not evenly distributed across countries because the production of advanced AI hardware is concentrated in a relatively limited number of economies.

Investment in data centres accelerates

The expansion of AI has also encouraged major investment in data centres.

These facilities require large quantities of computing hardware, electricity, cooling equipment and networking infrastructure.

As technology companies compete to expand AI capabilities, demand for data-centre equipment is expected to remain an important factor influencing international trade.

New risks for supply chains

The rapid growth of AI-related trade also creates new vulnerabilities.

Advanced semiconductor production depends on highly specialised manufacturing processes and geographically concentrated supply chains.

Any disruption caused by geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, export restrictions or manufacturing problems could affect the availability of critical components.

Governments are therefore increasingly examining the strategic importance of semiconductor and AI supply chains.

AI reshapes the structure of global trade

The latest trade data indicate that artificial intelligence is not only transforming digital services and technology industries. It is also changing patterns of physical goods production and international commerce.

Countries involved in semiconductor manufacturing, electronics, cloud computing and data-centre infrastructure are becoming increasingly important to the emerging AI economy.

The WTO’s analysis suggests that the AI boom is now becoming a measurable force in global merchandise trade, although its longer-term impact will depend on investment trends, technological development, international trade policies and the evolution of AI demand.