That's actually a big hit: in the first quarter, 61.4 million PCs were shipped worldwide, a volume up 6.7% according to Counterpoint statistics. The growth recorded over the first three months is due to the replacement of PCs with AI-compatible models, on the eve of the end of Windows 10 support in October. But also, largely, to the increase in computer shipments to the United States to avoid customs surcharges imposed by Donald Trump.
Record PC shipments, thank you Donald Trump!
We won't rehash the customs duties saga, but for the moment they have been suspended for 90 days. However, imported products from China remain subject to a 145% surcharge, with the exception of computers and smartphones. But these devices will eventually be taxed following an assessment mission, which also includes semiconductors.
The impact of these future customs duties should be felt throughout the rest of the year, Counterpoint reports without putting too much stock in the matter (but no one knows what Trump wants to do). The continued dependence on Chinese production complicates the game for manufacturers, who are looking to move their factories to India, Vietnam, or even Mexico. Manufacturers will have to continue diversifying their production outside of China.
In any case, the situation is likely to be very difficult for anyone who realizes that their Windows 10 PC is no longer receiving security updates: emergency replacement is likely to be very expensive this fall.
In the first quarter, Apple recorded a very strong performance: +17% in Mac shipments, as the manufacturer finally reached 10% of the global market. The new Macs launched at the beginning of March, including an M4 MacBook Air and the excellent M4 Mac mini, more than contributed to the Apple company's good fortune. Lenovo benefited from an 11% increase, with a 25% market share. HP, 2nd, and Dell, 3rd, complete the podium with shipment growth of 6% and 4% respectively.
Source: Counterpoint
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