Amid rising geopolitical tensions and trade restrictions, AI emerges as key driver of global trade growth: McKinsey

The global trade landscape is undergoing a structural shift, with artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly emerging as a central driver of cross-border flows. According to a recent report from the McKinsey Global Institute, “AI-related trade emerged as the most substantial engine of growth,” underscoring a decisive pivot in what powers global commerce. This transformation is rooted in the explosive demand for AI infrastructure. The report noted that “shipments of the hardware needed to develop and run the technology increased by almost 40 per cent,” accounting for “about a third of global trade growth” in 2025. This surge reflects a worldwide race…