Global AI boom sees China’s chip exports nearly double in first half of year

AI Summary

China's chip exports nearly doubled in the first half of 2026 driven by the global AI boom, underscoring the importance of computing hardware in economic growth. Exports reached US$177.28 billion, reflecting a significant year-on-year increase in integrated circuits shipments.

China’s chip exports nearly doubled in the first half of the year, customs data shows, as a global AI boom cemented computing hardware’s place as a key economic growth engine. In the first six months of this year, China exported 179.44 billion integrated circuits (ICs) worth a total of US$177.28 billion – up more than 96 per cent year on year – according to data released by the General Administration of Customs on Tuesday. The surge in IC exports was one of the key drivers behind China’s...