AI agents are becoming a new layer of physical availability, deciding which products are retrieved, compared and placed in consumers’ carts. Drawing on Blackbox research across mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, this article explains why brand growth still depends on mental and physical availability, but increasingly requires accurate retailer data, credible reviews, platform presence and a clear understanding of the instructions consumers give their agents.

Consumers are not deciding whether to trust AI agents in absolute terms; they are setting conditions for delegation. Drawing on a survey of 1,050 consumers across mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, this article examines how approval steps, spending limits, verified identity and human escalation shape trust, and why the winning agentic products will be those that make autonomy bounded, transparent and recoverable when mistakes happen.

AI agents are moving consumers beyond simple assistance towards delegated action, but adoption is not progressing at the same speed. Blackbox research across mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan shows that consumers are increasingly comfortable using AI to inform decisions, while remaining more cautious about allowing it to act autonomously. The real adoption challenge lies in permission, control and trust.

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping industries and redefining our relationship with technology but it won’t replace us - find out why.

Has unprecedented consumer demand for Generative AI been met with the same pace of evolution within the business landscape? We find out.