Weak demand has been found largely responsible for the drop in computer shipment across the globe. International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker, which revealed this, said global shipments of traditional personal computers fell by 13.9 per cent year-on-year in 2023.
The downturn, unparalleled in the industry’s recorded history, was the aftermath of the significant surge in PC purchases driven by the COVID-19 pandemic.
It stated that in the fourth quarter of 2023, PC shipments fell by 2.7 per cent to 67.1 million. IDC disclosed that Q4, 2023 was the eighth consecutive quarter of year-on-year shipment volume contraction. The firm stated that while the market might have contracted in 2023, it is expected to grow in 2024.
The Group Vice President, IDC’s Mobility and Consumer Device Trackers, Ryan Reith, said, “Across the major technology categories, the PC market has arguably been the biggest roller coaster in terms of ups and downs over the past four years.
“While the market was down again in 2023 in terms of shipments, there is a lot of positive momentum for PCs looking forward. While AI has captured everyone’s attention, it shouldn’t be overlooked that 2024 is expected to be a strong year for commercial PC refresh, and the advancements around gaming PCs continue to drive market excitement.”
The firm noted that on an annual basis, the market had experienced unprecedented consecutive declines, marking a stark departure from historical trends tracked since 1995.
It said in 2022, shipment volume plummeted 16.5 per cent compared to the previous year, and preliminary results suggested that an additional 13.9 per cent contraction in 2023 compared to 2022.
