According to new research from Epoch AI published on October 27, 2026, the United States has secured 72% of global AI compute capacity since 2022. The data, derived from customs records tracking chip shipments through Taiwan, indicates that the American lead in processing power is expanding.
In the first half of 2026, the U.S. share of newly acquired compute reached 78%, up from 72% in 2025. This trend suggests that the concentration of capacity for training and running advanced AI systems within the United States continues to grow.
China, by contrast, holds approximately 10% of global AI compute capacity. While Chinese entities account for about 18% of the total volume of AI chips, their actual compute performance is lower due to a reliance on less powerful chip models and adherence to export regulations.
The analysis relies on customs data from Taiwan, where nearly all advanced AI chips are packaged before distribution. This methodology allows researchers to estimate actual processing power rather than relying solely on unit counts, providing a clearer picture of the global AI hardware landscape.
