Airwallex report says AI is now a trade strategy
AM730 · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Airwallex said it has released its third annual trade report, and this year marks the first time it has been jointly published with HKTDC Sourcing, the sourcing platform under the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. The report says Hong Kong cross-border trading companies are entering a new phase in which technology is no longer just a support tool but a driver of transformation. The survey was conducted by hktdc.com from March to April 2026 and covered 462 cross-border enterprises. It found that companies are embedding AI, fintech and data-driven solutions into the core of cross-border trade operations and growth planning
Key Points
- AI adoption among surveyed cross-border companies rose from 25% to 79% within one year, showing much faster integration into daily operations
- About 67% of respondents plan to expand AI use further across finance, operations and procurement in the coming period
- More than 68% of surveyed companies are investing in technology-enabled and data-driven solutions to support trade activities and decision-making
- The share of cross-border transactions using fintech solutions tripled over the past 12 months, with about 60% of traders now using digital financial services
- On-demand sourcing adoption increased from 15% to 29%, while nearly 80% expect to increase online sourcing over the next 12 months
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong businesses, the findings point to a more competitive trading environment in which AI and fintech are becoming part of the basic operating infrastructure rather than optional upgrades. The report also suggests that companies that can combine online and offline sourcing, while improving payment speed, cost control and financial visibility, may be better placed to manage risk and pursue long-term growth