Archive · 31 Jul 2026
AI Boom Keeps Global Trade Steady Amid West Asia War
A big boom in artificial intelligence (AI) is keeping the world’s trade strong even though a war in West Asia is hurting shipping and raising energy costs.
In the first three months of 2026, the amount of goods traded grew by 3.2% compared to last year, and the value of trade jumped 11%.
This growth is mainly because companies are buying a lot of AI‑related items like microchips and computer equipment.
Asia is the biggest driver, sending more goods than before, especially chips and electronics.
The war has made trade in West Asia shrink a lot, with exports and imports falling by almost 10% and 12% respectively.
The war’s effect on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will show up in trade data from April 2026, but for now AI demand is keeping the global economy afloat.
Global merchandise trade grew 3.2% YoY in Q1 2026, with an 11% rise in value driven by a 40% surge in AI‑enabling goods.
AI infrastructure investment was the largest driver of trade growth, pushing office and telecom equipment exports up 44% YoY.
Asia led the surge, posting 20% higher export values and 12.9% volume growth, largely from microchip and semiconductor flows.
West Asia’s trade fell sharply, with exports down 9.7% and imports 11.9% YoY, and crude oil imports dropping 45% in March.
The Strait of Hormuz disruption is expected to affect trade data from April 2026, but AI demand has buffered the global economy so far.
- Who
- World Trade Organization and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
- What
- Report on global trade resilience driven by AI demand amid West Asia conflict
- When
- First quarter of 2026
- Where
- Worldwide, with emphasis on West Asia, Asia, North America, and Europe
- Why
- AI infrastructure investment offsets trade disruptions caused by the war and shipping route blockages
- Global merchandise trade growth (Q1 2026)
- 3.2% YoY
- Value growth (Q1 2026)
- 11% YoY
- AI‑enabling goods trade increase
- 40% YoY
- West Asia trade decline
- Exports -9.7%, Imports -11.9% YoY
- Strait of Hormuz disruption impact
- Visible from April 2026 onward