China’s exports of automatic data processing machines and parts jumped 41% in the first half of 2026, reaching US$138 billion, according to customs data reported by the South China Morning Post.
The surge highlights the accelerating pace of global artificial intelligence infrastructure investment, with computing hardware emerging as a critical driver of economic activity in the region.
The export growth outpaced broader trade trends, reinforcing the semiconductor sector’s resilience despite ongoing geopolitical headwinds.
The data aligns with recent observations of fracturing global growth patterns, where nations with robust high-tech manufacturing capabilities are seeing disproportionate gains.
This development adds weight to the narrative that AI capex is becoming a dominant macroeconomic force, influencing supply chains and trade balances across major economies.
The sharp rise in shipments comes as global tech firms continue to scale data center deployments, driving demand for both advanced logic chips and supporting components.