Global air cargo demand rose 7% year-over-year in June 2026, driven by artificial intelligence hardware shipments from Northeast and Southeast Asia to North America rather than online shopping. Semiconductor sales surged 106% year-over-year in April 2026, the highest growth rate since 1986. Air cargo rates between Northeast Asia and North America climbed 41%, while rates from Southeast Asia to North America increased 42%, with the global average spot rate reaching $3.40 per kilogram, up 38%. Taiwan’s GDP grew 15% in Q1 2026, supported by the semiconductor and AI sectors. However, month-on-month spot rates are beginning to ease due to recovering cargo capacity in the Middle East and declining jet fuel prices.
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