The global race to build infrastructure for artificial intelligence is giving world trade strong momentum at a time of higher tariffs and geopolitical conflicts, according to the latest edition of the DHL Globalization Tracker, released last week by DHL and New York University’s Stern School of Business.
Based on more than 30 million data points, the report analyzes international flows of trade, capital, information and people — a comprehensive view of globalization. This edition marks the report’s first publication under its new name; it was previously the DHL Global Connectedness Tracker.
“The biggest story in global trade right now is AI, not tariffs,” DHL CEO John Pearson said in a press release. “Every AI query ultimately depends on logistics. Chips, networking equipment, and the many other goods behind this technology must be in the right place at the right time.”
Other key points of the DHL report:
- The trade outlook has improved, with growth through 2029 now forecast to outpace the previous decade.
- East Asia and Pacific led trade growth during the first five months of 2026, followed by Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa.
- U.S.-China ties declined significantly, but U.S. allies are not following the same path.
- Globalization has reached a record level of 25.8%.
The DHL Globalization Tracker is a concise report and interactive website that provides regular updates on globalization and global trade. It is commissioned by DHL and authored by Steven A. Altman and Caroline R. Bastian of New York University Stern School of Business. It is available here, with further resources.
