October 13th 2026, 9:53 AM
AI Fuels Global Trade Growth, China and India Among Biggest Winners
Key Summary
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reports that artificial intelligence (AI) has driven global trade growth, with China and India among the top beneficiaries. AI-related trade grew 29% between 2023 and 2025, contributing to an 8.3% increase in global trade during the same period. The IMF expects AI to lift growth in advanced economies by 0.5-1 percentage points and emerging markets by 0.2-0.8 percentage points in 2026.
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The Numbers Behind the AI Trade Surge
Between 2023 and 2025, global trade grew 8.3%, according to IMF chief economist Silvana Tenreyro. Over the same stretch, AI-related trade jumped 29%.The IMF's Assessment
Tenreyro's assessment followed remarks a day earlier from IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. On October 12, Georgieva said AI investment is helping sustain global GDP growth at around 3% for 2026.Risks and Concerns
The IMF flagged several specific risks. Among them are a potential market correction and cybersecurity threats, both of which could hit hard given how much growth now leans on AI.The Impact on Emerging Markets
India got an especially warm write-up. The IMF raised its 2026 growth forecast for the country to 7%, citing stronger domestic demand and AI-related developments.#AI#GlobalTrade#China#India#IMF