AI speeds up Asia-Pacific trade, but tech gaps remain

Artificial intelligence (AI) has boosted trade in Asia and the Pacific, but significant technology gaps remain, according to a UN study.

Most economies still fail to use the technology on a large scale, according to a joint report released on Tuesday.

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) co-authored the report.

They found that surveyed economies use AI in less than 15% of their trade processes. Progress remains highly uneven, with adoption rates ranging from 40% in some subregions to just 1% in others.

The study, The Asia-Pacific Trade Facilitation Report 2026: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Trade Facilitation, highlights a deep digital divide.

It says East Asia leads the region, supported by stronger digital infrastructure, clearer governance frameworks and better-quality data. Meanwhile, Pacific island nations face the greatest challenges.

Currently, ports and logistics companies use AI for a limited number of tasks.

These include automatically verifying shipping documents, using machine learning to identify high-risk cargo and analysing scanned images during border inspections.

These tools reduce delays, improve compliance and help protect supply chains from global disruptions.

The report identifies a shortage of technical skills as the biggest barrier to widespread AI adoption. High infrastructure costs, fragmented data systems and regulatory uncertainty also slow progress.

While many countries have digitised basic trade processes, they still lack the integrated and interoperable systems required for AI to function effectively across borders.

The agencies launched the report at the Asia-Pacific Trade Facilitation Forum.

The study urges governments to invest in workforce skills, upgrade digital infrastructure and establish common rules to support secure, data-driven trade.