# Impact of AI and digitalization on global trade > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/impact-of-ai-and-digitalization-on-global-trade > Updated: 2026-09-09T13:45:39.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Recent reports indicate that digitalization and artificial intelligence are becoming significant drivers of global trade. A report by Standard Chartered and Oxford Economics suggests that AI and digitalization could increase annual global trade by US$2.8 trillion by 2031, representing a 6.9% increase above baseline levels. While services trade is expected to benefit significantly, a gap remains between developed and developing nations due to varying levels of AI readiness and connectivity. Complementing this, the World Trade Organization’s Goods Trade Barometer shows global merchandise trade growing above trend. This growth is largely attributed to robust demand for electronic components linked to AI investments. However, while demand remains strong, container shipping has fallen below the trend line due to supply-side disruptions, specifically conflicts in the Middle East causing congestion in the Strait of Hormuz. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-09: WTO reports global goods trade growing above trend driven by AI demand The WTO reports global goods trade is growing above trend at 102.0 points, driven by AI-related electronic component demand, despite disruptions in container shipping caused by Middle East tensions. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wto-reports-global-goods-trade-growing-above-trend-driven-by-ai-demand ### 2026-09-07: Digitalization and AI could boost global trade by US$2.8 trillion by 2031 Digitalization and AI could boost annual global trade by US$2.8 trillion by 2031, though a gap persists as least developed countries struggle to compete in the growing digitally deliverable services market. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/digitalization-and-ai-could-boost-global-trade-by-us28-trillion-by-2031 --- Cite as: Impact of AI and digitalization on global trade. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/impact-of-ai-and-digitalization-on-global-trade