FW Desk News
FreightWatch.News
Thursday, October 8, 2026
Surging demand for semiconductors and networking equipment is driving global trade growth at rates unseen in 15 years. These goods support artificial intelligence infrastructure, according to analysis from DHL and New York University's Stern School of Business. AI-related goods accounted for 42% of global trade growth in 2025, surging to 76% in the first quarter of 2026, WTO and OECD data shows. The trend has insulated commerce from tariff pressures and geopolitical tensions. East Asia and the Pacific led regional performance with 24% trade growth in the first five months of 2026 compared to the year-ago period, while intra-regional trade increased to 60% from 57%. Europe posted 12% growth and Sub-Saharan Africa 11%. Air cargo capacity from Southeast Asia now prioritizes semiconductor and AI component shipments over e-commerce goods, according to Dimerco analysis.
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