AI and data centre boom drives global airfreight growth

· Logistics · Japan

The AI and data centre boom is driving increased global airfreight traffic. Japanese airfreight exports are forecast to rise 11.9% this year, partly on a surge in semiconductor-related cargo, with the NX Logistics Research Institute expecting exports to reach 1.13 million tonnes in FY26 — the third consecutive year of growth. Separately, the DHL Globalization Tracker, released with NYU's Stern School of Business, found the AI boom has become a powerful driver of global trade, with trade growth accelerating and globalization setting a new record.

Why it matters：AI infrastructure demand is becoming a structural driver of air cargo and trade flows, shifting freight volumes toward high-value semiconductor and technology shipments.

Key points

  • Japanese airfreight exports forecast to rise 11.9% this year.
  • NX Logistics Research Institute expects 1.13 million tonnes in FY26, the third consecutive gain.
  • DHL Globalization Tracker finds the AI boom is driving trade growth and record globalization.

Sources (original reporting)

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