Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Lutnick Urges G20 to Use AI to Lower Trade Barriers
Howard Lutnick wants countries in the G20 to use artificial intelligence to make international trade easier.
He said different rules between countries can sometimes make it harder for businesses to sell products abroad.
Shared technical standards could help products work safely across borders.
Lutnick said AI could compare these standards and find problems more quickly.
He also said AI could help make products and systems safer.
Governments could use AI to test supply chains and find weaknesses before disruptions happen.
Businesses, especially smaller ones, could benefit from fewer unnecessary restrictions.
Lutnick believes governments should work closely with private companies.
He also said countries that welcome investment and innovation may grow faster than countries that impose excessive restrictions.
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick urged G20 nations to use AI to reduce unnecessary trade barriers and strengthen supply chains.
He said open markets, competition and fair access were necessary for technical standards to support innovation and international trade.
Lutnick argued that AI could help compare safety standards, identify weaknesses and improve interoperability across borders.
He called for governments and businesses to use AI to test supply-chain vulnerabilities and prepare for future disruptions.
Lutnick said private companies and governments should work together on infrastructure, manufacturing and supply-chain diversification.
- Who
- US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and the G20 nations.
- What
- Lutnick called for using AI and industry-developed technical standards to reduce unnecessary trade barriers, improve interoperability and strengthen supply chains.
- When
- In Lutnick's closing remarks at the G20 Innovation Ministerial; the articles do not provide a date.
- Where
- Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States.
- Why
- To promote innovation and international trade, help businesses compete across borders, and identify supply-chain weaknesses before they cause serious economic problems.
- Speaker
- Howard Lutnick, US Commerce Secretary
- Event
- G20 Innovation Ministerial
- Location
- Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Proposed AI uses
- Comparing standards, identifying weaknesses, improving safety and testing supply-chain resilience
- Trade principles
- Open markets, competition, fair access and interoperability
- Businesses highlighted
- Small and medium-sized businesses seeking access to overseas markets
- Government role
- An active partner in infrastructure, manufacturing and supply-chain diversification