Hong Kong strengthens chip gateway role amid Asia AI boom

Around one-third of mainland China’s integrated-circuit exports passed through the city in the first half of 2026.

Hong Kong is strengthening its position as a gateway for semiconductor and artificial-intelligence supply chains as regional demand for advanced technology components accelerates, according to a report released by FedEx.

Around one-third of mainland China’s integrated-circuit exports were routed through Hong Kong in the first half of 2026, FedEx said, citing Hong Kong government data.

AI-related products also account for approximately 70% of the city’s merchandise exports.

FedEx said Hong Kong’s air-cargo connectivity, location and proximity to the Greater Bay Area position it to connect the region’s research, advanced manufacturing and commercial capabilities with global markets.

Anthony Leung, managing director of FedEx Hong Kong and Macau, said the rapid growth of AI was increasing demand for semiconductors, memory chips and other components used in data centers and high-performance computing.

The company’s survey found that 40% of respondents expected mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan to record the strongest semiconductor-demand growth over the next three years.

The findings reflect a broader expansion across Asia-Pacific, which accounts for approximately 58% of global semiconductor-industry revenue.

AI and high-performance computing are among the fastest-growing sources of demand. More than 2,000 data centers are expected to be built globally between 2026 and 2035, supporting demand for chips as well as servers, networking equipment, cooling systems and power solutions.

However, companies are also facing increasingly complex supply chains. About 30% of respondents identified geopolitical disruption as the most significant obstacle to growth, ahead of higher operating costs and cross-border trade and customs complexity.

Another 35% expected their companies to expand manufacturing into additional Asia-Pacific markets, whilst 25% planned to increase or diversify sourcing within the region or globally.

Speed is also becoming more important for high-value and time-sensitive technology shipments. About 44% of respondents identified faster international shipping as the most important capability when selecting logistics and supply-chain partners over the next three years.