UNESCAP, ADB see AI transforming trade despite slow uptake

Artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to reshape trade processes across the Asia-Pacific region, but adoption remains limited as economies grapple with skills shortages, infrastructure costs, as well as regulatory challenges, according to a joint study by the Bangkok-based United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and the Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB). In a statement on Tuesday, June 9, UNESCAP said their “Asia-Pacific Trade Facilitation Report 2026: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Trade Facilitation” found that AI implementation in trade facilitation remains below 15 percent among surveyed economies, with adoption levels ranging from one percent to 40 percent across subregions. According to the report published also last Tuesday, AI is increasingly being deployed in customs and logistics operations, including automated verification of shipping documents, machine-learning tools for identifying high-risk cargo, as well as image-analysis technologies used in border inspections. The study said these applications can help reduce delays, improve regulatory compliance, as well as strengthen supply chain resilience amid mounting trade pressures and increasingly complex regulations. “The rapid development of AI and machine learning now signals yet another transformation, offering new opportunities to enhance efficiency, compliance, supply chain resilience, and digital connectivity,” UN Undersecretary-General and UNESCAP Executive Secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana said. She said the shift comes as global trade faces mounting challenges, including geopolitical tensions, growing climate- and sustainability-related compliance requirements, as well as a persistent digital divide among economies. The report identified shortages in AI-related skills as the biggest obstacle to wider adoption, followed by high infrastructure costs, fragmented data systems, and regulatory uncertainty. While many economies have expanded digital trade systems, the study noted that gaps remain in data integration, interoperability, and operational readiness. “It is critical to support developing economies in strengthening digital infrastructure, cross-border connectivity, interoperable systems, and digital skills to harness the benefits of AI-enabled trade facilitation,” ADB Vice President for Sectors and Themes Fatima Yasmin said. The report found that East Asia leads the region in AI readiness, particularly in operational deployment, governance frameworks, and data quality, while Pacific economies continue to face the greatest implementation challenges. Launched during the Asia-Pacific Trade Facilitation Forum in Bangkok, Thailand, this week, the study called for greater investment in AI-related skills, integrated digital infrastructure, as well as governance frameworks to support secure and efficient digital trade. It also underscored the need for stronger regional cooperation and cross-border interoperability as trade systems become increasingly data-driven.