Rising AI investments fuel optimism in the global trade outlook

Islamabad, Nov 02,2026:    Strong investment in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure is improving the global trade outlook, as rising demand for semiconductors, servers and other advanced technologies supports international commerce and creates new opportunities for developing economies to participate in the expanding digital economy.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has raised its 2026 global merchandise trade volume growth forecast to 3.9% from 1.9%, citing resilient supply chains and stronger-than-expected investment in AI-related infrastructure as important factors behind the improved outlook.

According to the WTO’s October Global Trade Outlook and Statistics, AI-enabling goods accounted for 47% of the increase in the value of global merchandise trade during the first half of 2026, while trade in these products expanded by 67% year-on-year. The growth helped offset disruptions in energy and transport markets caused by the Middle East conflict, as international supply chains adjusted through alternative suppliers, ports and trade routes.

The WTO expects AI-related investment to remain an important driver of merchandise trade through 2027. However, participation in the emerging AI supply chain remains highly concentrated, with the world’s 10 largest traders of AI-enabling goods accounting for approximately 85% of global exports and 80% of imports in 2025.

Muhammad Hafeez, founder and CEO of Nexa Robots Pvt Ltd, told Wealth Pakistan that the growing demand for AI infrastructure could create opportunities for developing economies beyond advanced semiconductor manufacturing, particularly in software development, industrial automation, systems integration and technical services.

“Investment in data centres, chips and servers is exceptionally strong right now, but spending of this scale tends to move in cycles,” he said.
Hafeez explained that although the current pace of AI infrastructure investment might eventually moderate, demand for computing, automation and practical AI applications was likely to continue expanding.

He said the production of advanced semiconductors and servers would probably remain concentrated in a limited number of economies due to the substantial capital, technological expertise, and manufacturing scale required.
However, the wider adoption of AI could create opportunities for businesses capable of integrating imported equipment, adapting software and providing maintenance and technical support.

According to Hafeez, developing economies could benefit from the global AI investment boom by building capabilities around technologies they import rather than attempting to replicate the most capital-intensive segments of the industry.

He cited the example of Nexa Robots, which combines imported robotics hardware with locally developed software, AI applications and systems integration. The company also works with Chinese technology and manufacturing partners to develop robotics solutions adapted to Pakistan’s requirements.

Hafeez said Pakistan could develop expertise in robotics and automation through system integration, software adaptation, deployment, maintenance and technical support.
Selective manufacturing of components could also become commercially viable as domestic demand for automation technologies expands, he added.

He emphasised that predictable customs and tax treatment for automation equipment and spare parts, accessible financing or leasing arrangements and practical technical training would help Pakistani businesses adopt advanced technologies more effectively.
The expansion of AI-related trade is also creating opportunities beyond computing hardware, as the technology requires supporting investment in electricity, data centres, connectivity, software and digital services.

Kazim Ullah, Software Engineer, Technology Educator, Co-founder of Devspire Solutions and Mentor of the IT & Robotics Society at City University Peshawar, told Wealth Pakistan that the economic impact of AI extended across multiple sectors.
He said the development and deployment of AI systems required investment in energy infrastructure, data management, computing facilities and digital connectivity alongside semiconductors and servers.

This expanding ecosystem could create opportunities for developing economies to participate in international technology markets through specialised services and applications, even without producing advanced computing hardware.

However, Kazim cautioned that the sustainability of the current AI investment boom would depend on whether the technology delivered measurable productivity improvements and commercially useful applications.
He said developing countries did not necessarily need to manufacture advanced semiconductors or build large foundational AI models to benefit from the growing international demand for AI technologies.

Opportunities also existed in AI-enabled software, industrial automation, cloud services, data management, specialised applications and technology-enabled business services, he explained.
For Pakistan, these activities could provide practical avenues for developing domestic technological expertise, improving business efficiency and expanding technology-related exports.

Kazim said developing economies should identify areas where they could realistically create economic value while investing in reliable electricity, digital infrastructure, technical education, research and affordable computing resources.
He also stressed the importance of collaboration among universities, businesses and research institutions to strengthen technical capabilities and accelerate the commercial application of AI.

Wider AI skills development across manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, education and finance could help businesses adopt new technologies and improve productivity, he added.
The growing international demand for AI infrastructure highlights a broader transformation in global trade, with advanced computing equipment and related technologies becoming increasingly important components of merchandise flows.

However, the WTO’s figures also show that much of this trade remains concentrated among a relatively small number of economies, making technological capabilities and industrial competitiveness important factors in determining which countries benefit.

For Pakistan and other developing economies, the opportunity lies in moving beyond importing AI equipment towards developing the software, technical expertise and industrial applications required to create domestic economic value.
The longer-term benefits of the global AI investment boom will depend on whether developing economies can translate access to advanced technologies into stronger productivity, specialised services, industrial innovation and competitive technology-related exports.