Report titled “Trading with Intelligence: How AI Shapes and is Shaped by International Trade” released | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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Report titled “Trading with Intelligence: How AI Shapes and is Shaped by International Trade” released

Posted 23 Nov 2024

2 min read

This report by World Trade Organization (WTO) examines key trade-related policy considerations raised by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its convergence with global trade, along with WTO’s critical role in facilitating AI-related trade.

Implications of AI on Trade

  • Regulation Fragmentation:  Differences in approaches to AI regulation may have particular impact on trade opportunities for MSMEs.
  • Concentration of Industry: Concentration of development and control of AI technology in large economies and companies creates significant trade divide.
  • Data Governance challenges: Restrictions on cross-border data flows can increase costs for firms and negatively impact trade.  

Opportunities from AI in Trade

  • Overcoming Trade Costs by automating and streamlining customs clearance processes, border controls, and predicting risks.
  • Increase in global real trade growth by 14% until 2040 in case of universal AI adoption and high productivity growth.
  • Transforming patterns of trade in services, especially digitally delivered services and those that rely on manual processes.

Impact of Trade on AI

  • Increasing Cost: Tariffs on Information Technology equipment affect access to and cost of essential AI hardware. 
  • Cross-border restrictions: Restrictions in both movement of experts and data can negatively impact AI innovation and development.
  • Treaty Provisions: Provisions regarding personal information and privacy included in Regional Trade Agreements has implications for data usage in AI. 

WTO's role for Convergence of AI and Trade

  • Promoting global convergence through transparency provisions in WTO agreements and promoting constructive dialogue. 
  • Promoting AI Development: General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) facilitates the development and uptake of AI.
  • Minimizing International negative spillovers through non-discrimination principle and Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMS). 
  • Promote Inclusiveness through special and differential treatment and technical assistance for developing economies. 
  • Tags :
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Global Trade
  • AI and Trade
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