Demand for AI infrastructure driving businesses to repurpose technology, say Mouse & Bear

Released On Today

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and datacentres has seen demand for technology hardware soar, creating pressures across the global supply chain.

Both AI developers and companies integrating AI into their operations are purchasing increasing amounts of technology hardware to make servers, routers, firewalls and other networking equipment used in AI infrastructure.

However, manufacturers are struggling to produce components fast enough to keep up with this demand. This has led to delays and shortages.

To tackle this issue, an increasing number of businesses are repurposing their existing hardware by upgrading and redeploying them for new uses – but they have faced difficulties when shipping them across different offices and locations.

Specialist Importers and Exporters of Record, Mouse & Bear, say they have seen a growing number of these businesses requiring trade compliance support.

“Since the rise of AI, hardware simply can’t be manufactured fast enough to meet the current demand. Many businesses are repurposing their existing technology instead, but have come across issues during shipping. Technology like this often requires specific licences or certifications to ensure trade compliance – and that’s where specialist support becomes essential!” says Gemma Stunt, Sales Manager at Mouse & Bear.

Enterprise companies such as banks, manufacturers and large retailers regularly install new, state-of-the-art systems to prevent issues like limited data storage, incompatibility with new software, security vulnerabilities or low productivity.

When shipped, these technologies are subject to strict trade regulations which can differ between each country depending on the type of goods.

Now that more businesses are repurposing technology and facing these regulations themselves, they are finding it increasingly difficult to pass through the customs process.

“Repurposing technology is a great way for businesses to avoid external shipping delays, purchasing costs and waste. However, shipping this technology themselves isn’t always easy! With global trade regulations changing by the day, it’s become even more difficult for businesses with little to no import knowledge to pass through customs” adds Gemma.

As an Importer and Exporter of Record for technology, Mouse & Bear help businesses ship computers, hardware, telecoms equipment, dual-use goods and more to over 160 countries.

With over 10 years’ experience working in the global technology market, Mouse & Bear provide bespoke customs support to help shipments pass through the entire customs clearance process without delay.

While the surge in AI infrastructure has created hardware shortages and delays, it has also contributed to a positive outlook for the global technology market.

According to Octopus Money, interest in AI is booming in the US and technology shares across Europe have steadily risen. Countries like Taiwan and South Korea have also benefited from strong global demand for computer chips and electronics used in AI infrastructure.

“The global demand for AI infrastructure is having a ripple effect on the rest of the market and is influencing how equipment is sourced, deployed and moved. As repurposing hardware remains an important solution for businesses, we’ll continue to help them relocate their technology around the world” concludes Gemma.