Businesses across the United States are looking to international markets for new growth opportunities, with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as a key tool to help them identify opportunities, navigate new markets, and compete globally, according to Santander’s 2026 Global Trade Barometer.
The global survey of more than 6,000 business decisionmakers across nine markets— including the United States—conducted in August and September 2026 found that businesses engaged in global markets are more optimistic about their growth prospects. Globally, seven in 10 internationally active firms (69%) expect revenue growth over the next 12 months, compared with 53% of businesses focused on the domestic market.
More than a third of U.S. businesses say international trade has become more important to their growth plans, and for businesses already trading internationally, nearly half (49%) expect at least a quarter of their revenue to come from international trade over the next 12 months.
Seven in 10 U.S. business leaders said AI has already helped with market analysis, 66% with competitive intelligence and 58% with regulatory information as they pursue international growth. Businesses also credit AI with helping them learn from other companies’ experiences and identify commercial contacts and partners.
While AI is creating new opportunities for international expansion, businesses recognize the importance of local expertise and trusted partnerships in navigating unfamiliar markets. Forty-three percent of U.S. businesses participating in the survey said local partnerships contributed most significantly to their international success.
“No matter how good you are at what you do, there are experts who can help you in every area, and you need to work with them. We are always looking for people with the right knowledge and the right understanding because you have to be creative to manage a constantly changing landscape.”
Sameed Naviwala
Vice President, Weave Hub LLC, United States
“U.S. businesses are increasingly looking beyond their borders for growth, and AI is creating new opportunities to identify and pursue international markets. But technology is only part of the equation. Successfully expanding into new markets requires local expertise, trusted relationships, and the right financial solutions. By combining our global reach with deep market knowledge and specialized capabilities, Santander helps businesses navigate complexity and grow with confidence.”
Chris Motl
Head of Commercial Banking at Santander US
U.S. businesses also see AI as a catalyst for accelerating international expansion. Nearly two-thirds (65%) believe AI will help them enter overseas markets more quickly, while the same percentage expect it to help them compete against international rivals. Additionally, 67% expect AI to enable them to serve more markets, while 56% believe it will reduce the costs associated with international trade.
Globally, businesses employing AI were the most confident about their business prospects in the next three years. The industries most upbeat in their outlook were technology, media and telecom (TMT), electronic components, and food and beverage manufacturers. Among U.S. businesses, the survey found that 70% of firms with AI embedded in most or all of their international trade activity expect an increase in their sales over the next 12 months.
Global aspirations were more apparent among larger U.S. businesses. Fifty-seven percent of firms with 250 or more employees and 35% of medium-sized firms with 50 to 249 employees are considering international expansion over the next three years.
As U.S. businesses pursue international growth, they are also reassessing their supply chains amid an evolving global trade environment. Nearly half (48%) have moved, are planning to move, or are exploring moving their supply chains closer to home. Among those businesses, 72% identify the U.S. as a destination for new suppliers.
