How much of the world’s growth is really riding on artificial intelligence now

The numbers are striking. Global trade grew 8.3 per cent between 2023 and 2025, while trade linked to artificial intelligence rose 29 per cent. Strip out that piece and overall trade growth falls to 4.6 per cent. India, China and other Asian economies have gained most from this demand.

India looks good in the latest forecasts. The IMF expects 7 per cent growth in both 2026 and 2027, raised by 0.6 and 0.3 percentage points from July, helped by strong domestic demand, services and investment tied to artificial intelligence. Global growth is now projected at 3.1 per cent this year.

Read the caution too. The IMF assumes this boom fades over time, warns that supply chains sit in very few countries and sectors, and flags the risk of a correction in market values if productivity gains never arrive. So avoid concentrating your portfolio in one theme and stay broadly diversified.