IDC: Weak Demand for Personal Computers in the First Quarter

Global personal computer shipments fell by 29 percent in the first quarter due to weak demand, accumulated inventory, and a deteriorating macroeconomic climate, according to data from research company IDC.

Manufacturers delivered 56.9 million computers to customers, including distributors and end users, in the first three months of this year, IDC found, warning of a high year-on-year base that reflected strong pandemic-driven demand.

However, the results in the first three months of this year are significantly weaker compared to the first quarter of the pre-pandemic year 2019, when 59.2 million computers were shipped.

Lenovo shipped the most computers, including desktops, laptops, and computer terminals, in the first quarter of this year, totaling 12.7 million, but this is 30.3 percent less than at the beginning of 2022. Its market share decreased from 22.8 to 22.4 percent.

HP is in second place with 12 million computers shipped, which is 24.2 percent less than in the first quarter of last year. Its market share slightly increased to 21.1 percent.

In third place is Dell Technologies with 9.5 million computers shipped, which is 31 percent less than at the beginning of 2022. Its market share decreased from 17.1 to 16.7 percent.

Among the leading manufacturers, Apple recorded the largest decline, by as much as 40.5 percent, shipping 4.1 million computers. Its market share fell from 8.6 to 7.2 percent.

IDC expects a recovery in demand by the end of the year due to the anticipated recovery of the global economy.

“By 2024, the process of refreshing the outdated installed base will begin,” explains Linn Huang, head of IDC’s research department.

“If the economy is on an upward trajectory by then, we expect significant growth in the market as consumers seek refreshment, schools aim to replace outdated Chromebooks, and companies transition to Windows 11,” Huang explains.

“However, if the recession in key markets extends into next year, the recovery could be difficult,” he warns.