APPLICATIONS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN FOREIGN TRADE: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW OF “RECENT” EVIDENCE

Abstract

In the context of a globalized economy, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has consolidated itself as a strategic instrument for enhancing competitiveness and agility in international trade. Within this framework, the present study is characterized as an exploratory integrative literature review aimed at understanding how AI has been applied in the sector, based on scientific publications from 2022 to 2026. To this end, the methodology involved a qualitative analysis of articles selected from Google Scholar, leading to the identification of five main thematic axes: process automation, predictive analytics, logistics optimization, data-driven decision-making, and digital transformation (Trade 4.0). The findings indicate that the use of technologies such as machine learning, generative AI, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) enables not only the reduction of operational errors but also more accurate demand forecasting and the optimization of logistics flows in real time. In light of these results, it can be concluded that AI constitutes a structural and consolidated element for customs and port modernization; however, qualified human intervention remains indispensable, particularly for validating outcomes and ensuring the legal security of operations.