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AI Infrastructure Push Lifts Japanese Airfreight to Five-Year High

Japanese airfreight exports are set to surge 11.9% in 2026, reaching 1.13 million tonnes as semiconductor shipments accelerate alongside global AI and data centre expansion. The gain marks the third consecutive year of growth and the first double-digit increase in five years, according to NX Logistics Research Institute forecasts. Total airfreight including imports is projected to rise 6%. Asia represents the strongest destination with exports climbing 16.5%, while transpacific volumes are expected to increase 6%. Semiconductor-related cargo, including electronic components and manufacturing equipment, is driving much of the surge. Data centre-related global airfreight is estimated at roughly 107,000 tonnes monthly, with particularly strong growth from Taiwan and Thailand. Hi-tech shipments from China to the US have declined 9%, but volumes from alternative origins are rising substantially as supply chains rebalance. The diversification could create new distribution flows into Europe.