Page 40 - Azerbaijan State University of Economics

THE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC SCIENCES: THEORY AND PRACTICE, V.83, # 1, 2026, pp. 40-57

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics on International
Trade: A Study on the Reshaping of the Global Value Chain and

the Transformation of Trade Patterns

Li Ting

Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC), Baku, Azerbaijan, AZ1001
ORCID ID: 0009-0002-7206-9835; E-mail: [email protected]

https://doi.org/10.30546/jestp.2026.85.01.0057

Received: September 12, 2025; accepted March 27; published online June 05, 2026

ABSTRACT
Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are reshaping global trade, driving manufacturing
automation, supply chain optimization, and trade digitization. AI improves trade
efficiency through smart manufacturing, automated logistics, and cross-border e-
commerce, while triggering technical barriers, supply chain adjustments, and policy
changes. This article explores how AI changes the global value chain (GVC), promotes
localization of production, and accelerates the shift of international trade patterns toward
regionalization and localization. In addition, the article analyzes cases such as Tesla's
smart manufacturing, Alibaba and Amazon's smart supply chain, and JD's unmanned
warehouses to reveal how AI optimizes supply chain networks and enhances trade
competitiveness. As the advantage of low-cost manufacturing declines, developing
countries face the challenge of industrial upgrading, while developed countries rely on AI
technology to consolidate their trade dominance. Finally, this article summarizes the long-
term impact of AI on international trade and puts forward policy recommendations to help
governments and businesses cope with AI-driven trade changes and achieve sustainable
global economic growth.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Global Value Chain (GVC), Supply Chain
Optimization, Trade Digitalization.
JEL classification: F14, O33, F63

1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Research Background and Significance
With the rapid development of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are
profoundly affecting the global economic landscape, especially all aspects of
international trade. In recent years, the application of AI and robots in production,
logistics, supply chain management, trade models, etc. has greatly improved the

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