The McKinsey report points out that artificial intelligence is reshaping the global trade landscape.

According to the report "Geopolitics and Global Trade Patterns in 2026" released by McKinsey & Company on March 25th, the global trade is expected to increase by 6.5% in 2025, reaching a historical high, driven by artificial intelligence and the shift of strategic focus towards more like-minded partners. Despite ongoing tensions and logistical interruptions in key regions such as the Strait of Hormuz, the report analyzes how tariff policies and the rise of artificial intelligence are shaping the direction of global trade towards partners with closer geopolitical connections. The report highlights that investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure further solidify its position as a key driver of global trade in 2025. Trade in specialized hardware such as chips, servers, and network equipment increased by 40% in that year. The surge in demand for related technological components alone contributed one-third of the total global trade growth in the past year.