AI TRENDS | AI Consumer Surplus in the U.S. Reached About $172 Billion in Early 2026, HSBC Says

Economists are increasingly trying to quantify how artificial intelligence is affecting consumer activity. According to Jin10, HSBC global economist James Pomeroy said the free-to-use nature of personal AI tools is generating substantial consumer surplus by saving users both money and time. Data cited in the report showed that in early 2026, AI-generated consumer surplus in the United States reached about $172 billion, up from about $116 billion six months earlier. The report said this surplus could reach $250 billion in 2027. It added that the figure would equal 0.8% of U.S. GDP, and that on an alternative measure it would amount to 1.5% of U.S. consumer spending.