Google AI Shopping Feature, Greg Williams AI Layoffs

Global trade is experiencing a significant boost in 2025, with the World Trade Organization (WTO) now forecasting 2.4% growth for goods trade, a substantial increase from its earlier 0.9% prediction. This upward revision is largely driven by a surge in demand for AI-related products, including semiconductors and servers, and a notable rise in U.S. imports anticipating potential tariffs. Developing countries are also contributing to this robust trade, with South-South trade showing strong growth. However, the WTO has tempered its optimism for 2026, lowering the forecast to 0.5% due to increasing trade policy uncertainty and rising tariffs. In the corporate world, Acrisure, a global insurance brokerage, is set to lay off 400 accounting employees in early 2026, a decision CEO Greg Williams attributes to the integration of AI technology to automate tasks and enhance client competitiveness. This move follows Acrisure's previous investments in AI, including a significant acquisition in 2020. Meanwhile, Google is enhancing the online shopping experience with an AI-powered feature that allows users to virtually try on shoes, expanding this capability to other apparel items in various international markets. Educational institutions are also navigating the AI landscape. Rice University is integrating AI into its curriculum with new courses and faculty grants, updating guidelines to require citation of AI use, though individual faculty retain implementation control. Emory University, however, is still developing a formal policy, with professors debating whether to ban AI or teach its ethical use, drawing parallels to learning to use a calculator. In journalism, The Independent is adopting a four-pillar strategy that includes developing internal AI products like a personalized news summary tool to navigate the evolving digital environment and reduce reliance on traditional advertising. The legal field is not immune to AI's challenges, as highlighted by a New Hampshire case where a lawyer faced sanctions for submitting legal briefs containing fabricated citations generated by an AI tool. Across the Atlantic, the European Commission is rolling out a strategy to accelerate AI adoption in scientific research, emphasizing shared infrastructures and multidisciplinary teams, while the UK government, through Minister for AI Kanishka Narayan, is prioritizing AI job creation and infrastructure development. In the medical technology sector, AcuityMD has enhanced its AI platform with new tools aimed at improving sales performance and efficiency for MedTech companies. Florida lawmakers are also examining AI's role in the insurance industry, with discussions focusing on its use in claims handling and the need for existing laws to govern its application.

Key Takeaways

• The World Trade Organization (WTO) has raised its 2025 global goods trade growth forecast to 2.4%, up from 0.9%, driven by AI product demand and U.S. imports.
• The WTO has lowered its 2026 global goods trade growth forecast to 0.5% due to rising trade policy uncertainty and tariffs.
• Acrisure will lay off 400 accounting employees in early 2026 due to AI integration, as stated by CEO Greg Williams.
• Google is introducing an AI feature allowing shoppers to virtually try on shoes on Google Shopping.
• Rice University is integrating AI into its curriculum, requiring students to cite AI usage.
• Emory University faculty are debating whether to ban AI or teach its ethical use in the classroom.
• A New Hampshire lawyer faced sanctions for submitting legal briefs with fabricated AI-generated citations.
• The European Commission has launched a strategy to boost AI adoption in scientific research across Europe.
• The UK government's focus for AI is on building infrastructure and creating long-term jobs.
• AcuityMD has enhanced its AI platform to improve sales performance for medical technology companies.

WTO raises global trade forecast on AI boom and US imports

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has significantly increased its forecast for global goods trade growth in 2025 to 2.4%, up from 0.9%. This upward revision is driven by a surge in AI-related product purchases, particularly semiconductors and servers, and a rise in U.S. imports ahead of potential tariffs. While trade in services is expected to slow, the WTO notes that developing countries are also contributing to robust trade. However, the forecast for 2026 has been lowered to 0.5% due to increasing trade policy uncertainty and tariff rates.

AI products boost global trade, but 2026 forecast lowered

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has raised its 2025 global goods trade growth forecast to 2.4% due to strong demand for AI-related products like semiconductors and servers. Despite this positive outlook for 2025, the WTO has lowered its 2026 forecast to 0.5%, citing rising tariffs and trade policy uncertainty. Global services export growth is also expected to slow down in 2025 and 2026 compared to 2024. The WTO's Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the resilience of trade, partly due to countries' measured responses to tariff changes and increased trade among emerging economies.

AI buying and US imports drive global trade growth

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has sharply increased its forecast for global goods trade growth this year to 2.4%, a significant rise from 0.9% predicted in August. This growth is fueled by increased purchases of AI-related goods like semiconductors and servers, as well as a spike in U.S. imports due to fears of future tariffs. Developing countries are also contributing to this robust trade. However, the WTO has lowered its growth prediction for 2026 to 0.5%, down from 1.8%, anticipating slower growth in services exports as well.

AI goods and import surges lift world trade in 2025

World trade in goods saw a significant increase in the first half of 2025, driven by strong demand for AI-related products like semiconductors and servers, and a surge in imports by North America. The World Trade Organization (WTO) now forecasts 2.4% growth for merchandise trade in 2025, an upward revision from earlier predictions. However, trade growth is expected to slow considerably in 2026, with a forecast of only 0.5% due to rising tariffs and economic slowdown. Trade among developing countries, known as South-South trade, also showed strong growth.

AI boom and US imports boost global trade

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has significantly raised its forecast for global goods trade growth this year to 2.4%, up from 0.9% in August. This increase is attributed to a surge in AI-related purchases, such as semiconductors and servers, and a rise in U.S. imports made in anticipation of potential tariffs. Trade among developing nations also contributed to this unexpected growth. However, the WTO has lowered its forecast for 2026 to 0.5%, citing concerns about trade policy uncertainty and rising tariffs.

Emory University faculty and students debate AI in the classroom

Emory University is grappling with how to manage the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in academic settings, as the university currently lacks a formal policy. While AI-related honor code violations have not drastically increased, professors are concerned about its accessibility potentially encouraging cheating. Some faculty, like Professor Yana Bromberg, advocate for teaching students how to use AI ethically rather than banning it, comparing it to learning to use a calculator. Others, like Professor J. Judd Owen, have adopted stricter measures, such as requiring handwritten notes, due to concerns about AI's impact on academic integrity.

Rice University explores AI integration amid faculty caution

Rice University is launching new programs to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its curriculum, including courses and grants for professors. The university has updated its AI guidelines, requiring students to cite AI use, but ultimately leaves implementation decisions to individual faculty. Despite these efforts, some professors express hesitation, concerned that AI could hinder students' development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, especially in introductory courses. A recent survey indicates that while many professors use AI minimally, they recognize its growing importance in preparing students for the future workforce.

Acrisure lays off 400 employees due to AI integration

Acrisure, a global insurance brokerage and technology company, announced it will lay off 400 accounting positions in the first quarter of 2026, with about half of those jobs located in West Michigan. The company stated these layoffs are a result of deploying artificial intelligence technology to automate tasks previously performed by these employees. CEO Greg Williams described the decision as painful but necessary for the company's ongoing technology transformation and to help clients compete more effectively. Acrisure has previously invested heavily in AI, including a significant acquisition in 2020.

Acrisure cuts 400 jobs due to AI and technology advancements

Acrisure, a global insurance broker, is laying off 400 employees in its accounting department starting in early 2026, citing advancements in technology and artificial intelligence. The company stated this decision is necessary to remain competitive and better serve its clients. Acrisure, which employs around 2,000 people in Michigan, has been investing in AI capabilities since acquiring AI company Tulco LLC's insurance intelligence business in 2020. The company emphasized its commitment to Michigan despite the workforce reduction.

The Independent uses AI to navigate 'zero-click' era

The Independent newspaper is implementing a four-pillar growth strategy to adapt to the changing digital landscape, particularly the rise of AI and Google's 'zero-click' search results. These pillars include developing talent and intellectual property, expanding in the U.S., growing e-commerce, and creating internal AI products like its personalized news summary tool, Bulletin. Despite concerns about AI's impact on journalism, The Independent is leveraging AI to enhance audience engagement and explore new revenue streams, aiming to reduce reliance on traditional ad revenues.

Florida lawmakers examine AI's role in insurance

Florida lawmakers are beginning to explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) within the insurance industry. A panel informed the House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee that insurers are utilizing AI for various functions, including claims handling, and stressed that existing laws govern its use. While some legislators expressed concerns about AI potentially being used to deny claims without human oversight, industry representatives assured that AI is a tool subject to current regulations. Bills attempting to prevent AI from being the sole basis for claim denials did not pass in the 2025 session, but the issue may resurface.

AcuityMD enhances AI platform for MedTech sales growth

AcuityMD has expanded its AI platform with new tools designed to boost sales performance for medical technology companies. These enhancements provide insights into forecasted sales, potential business risks, and recommended actions to help companies achieve their goals. The platform now includes AI-driven next-best actions for sales representatives, MedTech-specific forecasting capabilities, and an AI voice assistant to capture field intelligence. These tools aim to improve efficiency and accelerate the delivery of medical innovations to patients by providing clearer data and guided execution.

EU strategy aims to boost AI in scientific research

The European Commission has released a strategy to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) among European scientists across all disciplines. A supporting report from the Joint Research Centre (JRC) analyzes AI's role in the scientific process and identifies the EU as having the largest share of AI research players globally. The strategy emphasizes the need for shared infrastructures, open science, and multidisciplinary 'hybrid' teams to foster AI adoption. The JRC will also lead an AI Evaluation Hub to monitor AI models in strategic scientific fields, aiming to strengthen Europe's position in AI research.

AI errors lead to legal consequences in New Hampshire case

A New Hampshire lawsuit highlighted the risks of lawyers using artificial intelligence (AI) without proper verification. In a case involving a home renovation dispute, the couple's lawyer submitted legal briefs with numerous fabricated and misleading citations generated by an AI tool. The judge noted that some cited cases did not exist. The lawyer admitted to not catching the AI's errors, leading to sanctions and a requirement to pay opposing counsel over $5,000 for extra work. This case is among a growing number nationwide where attorneys face penalties for AI-related mistakes.

Google's AI lets shoppers virtually try on shoes

Google is introducing a new feature that allows shoppers to virtually try on shoes using artificial intelligence. When browsing footwear on Google Shopping, users can select a 'try it on' option to see how different shoes look on them. This feature works by transforming an existing image of the user wearing shoes into various styles without requiring users to upload personal photos of their feet. Google is also expanding its AI try-on capabilities for other apparel items in Australia, Canada, and Japan.

UK focuses on AI job creation and infrastructure

The United Kingdom's Minister for AI, Kanishka Narayan, stated that the government's primary focus is on building infrastructure and creating long-term jobs in the artificial intelligence sector. While direct government investment in AI companies remains an open question, the emphasis is on securing the UK's technological future through these efforts. Narayan discussed these priorities on Bloomberg's 'Bloomberg Tech' program.

Sources

• WTO says AI-related buying binge and a spike in US imports spur unexpected rise in goods trade
• WTO cuts 2026 global goods trade growth forecast but sees AI-related products as bright spot
• WTO says AI binge, spike in US imports spur rise in goods trade
• AI Goods and Frontloading Lift World Trade in 2025
• WTO says AI-related buying binge and a spike in US imports spur unexpected rise in goods trade
• Students, professors discuss AI in classroom
• Rice University Launches AI Hub, but faculty remain cautious about using AI into their teaching.
• Major Grand Rapids company laying off 400 people due to AI , 200 in West Michigan
• Acrisure to Lay Off 400 Employees, Citing Technological Advancements and AI Integration
• Mitigating ‘Google risk’: The Independent maps four-pillar growth plan for the AI era
• Florida lawmakers ponder AI in insurance
• AcuityMD expands AI platform to boost medtech sales performance
• AI is a strategic tool to improve scientific research
• AI-generated legal errors: A lawsuit in New Hampshire
• Google’s AI try-on imagines your feet in new shoes
• UK Focused on Adding AI Jobs: MP Narayan