Imagine a world where you could instantly trace the journey of your smartphone from the mines to your pocket. That's the promise of supply chain transparency. But for many emerging economies, a clear view of these complex networks has remained elusive, hampered by information gaps and outdated reporting. Now, researchers are turning to the power of artificial intelligence, specifically large language models (LLMs), to illuminate these hidden connections. By combining LLMs with web crawlers, they’ve developed a system that scours online content, piecing together a comprehensive picture of supply chains. In a case study focused on the semiconductor industry, this system unearthed thousands of previously unknown supplier relationships, revealing a far more interconnected network than traditional databases could capture. This AI-powered approach offers a crucial advantage in emerging markets like China and India, where traditional data sources often fall short. While challenges remain, like accurately estimating financial flows within these networks and accounting for the ever-shifting dynamics of global trade, this research opens exciting possibilities. It offers a glimpse into a future where AI could not only reveal the complexities of global supply chains but also help us build more resilient and sustainable economies.