Amazon has announced plans to invest over $40 billion in cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure across 14 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies from 2025 to 2028. This substantial investment is anticipated to generate more than $45 billion in gross domestic product (GDP) for the United States during the same timeframe.
During the upcoming 2025 APEC Summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, Amazon emphasized that its investments, which do not include the U.S., aim to enhance technological capabilities in these APEC nations. These efforts are expected to create a multitude of high-value jobs in the U.S. as the adoption of American AI technologies accelerates.
The projected contributions to U.S. GDP stem from several key factors. These include the global uptake of Amazon”s comprehensive suite of AI technologies, job creation in the U.S. related to AI infrastructure development, and increased demand for American-made cloud equipment and services. Additionally, these initiatives are complementary to Amazon”s ongoing expansion of data centers within the United States, including recent developments in states such as North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Georgia.
The investments planned for the next four years are set to positively impact both the U.S. and the APEC economies where Amazon operates. The company has already committed billions to cloud infrastructure in these 14 countries, which has resulted in a significant multiplier effect—creating jobs within the data center supply chain and enhancing productivity while fostering digital transformation.
AI-Driven Economic Growth in APEC
Since the inception of its cloud infrastructure, Amazon has provided businesses, regardless of size, with access to advanced cloud and AI technologies. This support enables companies in APEC economies to modernize and compete on a global scale. Thousands of skilled positions have been created, tapping into local talents and establishing new pathways for workforce development, particularly in technology, operations, and support services.
Local enterprises utilizing Amazon”s cloud services have experienced rapid transformations, allowing them to innovate and scale their solutions globally, from Singapore to Korea to Chile. This process not only generates jobs but also creates investment opportunities within local communities.
Moreover, international investments play a vital role in fostering shared prosperity, benefiting local communities and regional ecosystems. They connect local economies to broader supply chains, facilitating cross-border commerce, while small businesses gain access to customers throughout the APEC region. By promoting technology transfer, these investments help establish regional centers of excellence that address challenges across the area.
Enhancing U.S. Economic Leadership in AI
The international investments made by Amazon not only bolster the U.S. economy but also provide significant advantages to American workers and communities. These investments align with the U.S. Administration”s AI Export Program, promoting the reach and adoption of comprehensive American AI technologies.
The intellectual property that underpins Amazon”s global operations originates from its innovation teams based in the U.S., reinforcing the nation”s status as a technological leader. Amazon”s commitment to innovation ensures that businesses can maintain a competitive edge in the AI landscape.
Additionally, Amazon”s global operations are supported by U.S.-based teams in engineering, research and development, legal, and finance, creating thousands of high-paying jobs across the nation. This dynamic also facilitates funding for new American jobs and infrastructure, which can be reinvested into further innovation in the U.S.
In conclusion, the AI innovations emerging from APEC economies often address global challenges. By enabling AI development across diverse nations, including those in APEC, Amazon fosters a worldwide ecosystem of innovation that benefits both local economies and American businesses. This collaborative approach drives shared prosperity, enhancing the interconnectedness and resilience of economies in the region.
