Global trade in AI-enabling goods reportedly grew a record 42% year over year in Q1 2026

The Kobeissi Letter reports that global trade in AI-enabling goods grew 42% year over year in Q1 2026, calling it the largest annual growth rate on record. That compares with 22% growth for full-year 2025 and 11% in 2024. It puts non-AI goods trade growth at 7% and total global goods trade growth at 12% year over year in Q1 2026.