IBM Vice Chairman Gary Cohn has highlighted that global trade uncertainties, particularly those stemming from recent U.S. tariff policies, are creating a “wait-and-see” environment that is hindering corporate investment in artificial intelligence (AI). According to an IBM survey of 2,000 CEOs across 33 countries, while AI investments are projected to increase by 31% over the next two years, only 25% of current AI initiatives have met expected returns. This investment surge is driven more by the fear of falling behind competitors than by proven returns. Cohn emphasizes that macroeconomic factors, including trade policy uncertainties and supply chain disruptions, are causing companies to be cautious with their spending, often reallocating existing budgets rather than increasing overall investment. He suggests that resolving trade relationship ambiguities, especially with key partners like Canada, Mexico, the EU, and Japan, could bolster business confidence and stimulate more robust AI investment.
