Global supply chains have undergone profound transformation in recent years, driven, among other factors, by the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and rising environment-related requirements. Strengthening Supply Chains through Efficiency, Resilience, AI and Environmental Performance explores how AI, digital tools and trade facilitation policies can enhance efficiency and resilience, while helping firms and governments respond to evolving environmental demands.
During Korea’s hosting of APEC in 2025, to which the OECD contributed through its analytical work, APEC member economies underscored the potential of AI in international trade and the importance of environmentally sustainable trade. This report builds on that engagement. Notably, the report draws key insights from Korea's experience of adopting AI and broader digital technologies for streamlining processes at the border, as well as its long-term investment in the core building blocks of a paperless trading environment.
The report is structured as follows. Chapter 1 reviews how two key drivers – the rapid development of AI and environmental requirements – are shaping global supply chains, emphasising their shared relevance to a digital backbone. Chapter 2 explores how AI is transforming international trade, in particular how AI-enabled tools, including advanced data analytics and automation, can enhance trade facilitation. Chapter 3 outlines the core enabling building blocks for leveraging AI in trade facilitation, examining barriers affecting digital services, the regulatory environment underpinning electronic transactions, and measures affecting cross-border data flows, complemented by the insights from Korea’s deployment of AI tools at the border. Chapter 4 examines the implications of emerging environmental requirements, highlighting the growing demand for granular environmental performance data and traceability across sectors. Chapter 5 discusses how technical interoperability, and international co-operation can support with the implementation of environmental requirements while minimising border frictions. Finally, Chapter 6 concludes with areas for policy action to build an enabling environment to fully reap the benefits of going paperless.