AI reshaping global trade, Europe risks 'digital tenant' status, study warns

A recent study finds that artificial intelligence is rapidly emerging as a new force shaping global trade and is contributing to Europe's growing digital dependency. The study, published by Austrian international credit insurer Acredia in cooperation with Allianz Trade, shows that AI is not only transforming technologies but also entire supply chains, trade flows, and geopolitical dependencies. According to the study, Europe in particular risks losing influence within the global technology blocs.

AI-related products and infrastructure now account for roughly 15 percent of global goods trade. Asia controls a large share of the value chain, from semiconductors and storage technologies to data centers.

Control of infrastructure

"The global race for artificial intelligence has long since become a race for infrastructure, data, and economic influence," explains Michael Kolb, a member of the Acredia Executive Board. "Whoever controls the chips, data centers, and platforms will also control significant portions of global value creation in the future."

Europe falling behind

Europe's operational data center capacity is roughly four times lower than that of the US. Europe's dependence on US technology providers is growing, with US hyperscalers dominating large portions of Europe's cloud and data infrastructure. The authors warn that billions of euros could flow annually from Europe to US providers with increasing AI service use.

Digital tenant warning

"Europe runs the risk of going from being an industrial hub to a digital tenant," the study warns. "This dependence affects not only technology, but increasingly also competitiveness, innovation, and economic sovereignty." The study notes: "AI supply chains are increasingly becoming the geopolitical nerve center of the global economy."