IDC has raised its forecast for global traditional PC shipments in 2025, now expecting volumes to reach 274 million units, up 4.1 percent from the prior year. This increase comes despite challenges from Donald Trump tariffs and global macroeconomic uncertainties.
The growth is driven by several key factors: a temporary 90-day pause on PC tariffs is prompting manufacturers to accelerate shipments, especially in the US, while the global commercial PC market remains buoyed by ongoing Windows 11 migration efforts.
However, IDC warns that weakening consumer sentiment, inflation, and global economic pressures could dampen momentum in the latter half of 2025. Looking ahead, IDC anticipates a modest market contraction in 2026 as volumes stabilize following the strong 2025 results.
PC manufacturers are capitalizing on temporary tariff exemptions and a 90-day pause on tariffs to accelerate shipments, particularly in the US, seizing the opportunity before potential economic headwinds set in, Jean Philippe Bouchard, research VP with IDC’s Worldwide PC Trackers, and Malini Paul, senior research manager of Devices Research, said in the report.
In EMEA, growth is bolstered by the impending end of Windows 10 support and COVID-era refresh cycles, with enterprises and public sector institutions leading initial demand, while small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are expected to drive significant momentum in the second half of the year.
Despite challenges such as macroeconomic uncertainties, price inflation, and potential weakening of consumer sentiment, PC market players are focusing on strategic inventory planning and proactive shipment acceleration to counteract these risks.
In parallel, tablet markets are influenced by factors like hybrid work trends, content consumption needs, and enterprise mobility, though IDC does not expect tablets to see the same robust growth trajectory as traditional PCs.
InfotechLead.com News Desk
