AI Boom Fuels Record Global Trade Growth Amid Geopolitical Conflicts

Global goods trade experienced its fastest growth in the first half of 2026 in 15 years, excluding the COVID-19 rebound, primarily driven by strong demand for goods used in AI infrastructure, such as semiconductors and data-transmission equipment. This acceleration occurred despite higher tariffs and geopolitical conflicts, with AI-enabling goods accounting for 76% of goods trade growth in Q1 2026.