China's chip exports jump 96% in H1 2026 on AI demand

China's customs administration reported chip exports nearly doubled to $177 billion in the first half of 2026, a 96% year-on-year increase. Officials attributed the surge to global demand for AI hardware, though the total was also inflated by rising memory prices.

Why it matters: It shows how much global AI hardware demand is flowing through Chinese chip exports despite US export controls.