PC Shipments Slump 20% in Q3 as High Prices Weigh on Demand

The global PC market suffered a sharp decline in the third quarter of 2026. According to preliminary data from analytics firm IDC, PC shipments fell by as much as 20.1% year over year, with manufacturers shipping 62.7 million devices. In the same period last year, shipments totaled 78.5 million units.

Sales began to collapse in the third quarter

This marks the second consecutive quarter of decline. Shipments fell by 3.8% in the second quarter, but the situation worsened significantly in the third. This is particularly unusual, as the third quarter is traditionally stronger thanks to preparations for the fall and holiday seasons.

IDC cites substantial stockpiling in the first half of the year as the main reason. Manufacturers and distributors ordered larger quantities of PCs in advance to prepare for expected price increases. The result is higher inventory levels, which are now limiting new orders.

The situation is also being complicated by rising prices for PCs and their components. Higher prices are dampening customer interest, and while various discounts and promotions may help in the short term, IDC says they won’t solve the problem in the long run.

Some companies saw declines of 30%

The downturn affected virtually all major manufacturers. HP saw the steepest decline, with shipments falling 30.9% year over year. Dell recorded a 25% drop, while most of the market reported double-digit declines.

IDC also warns that prices could remain elevated over the coming quarters. Combined with weaker economic conditions and lower consumer demand, this could cause the PC market to fall further before it stabilizes.

The third quarter showed that heavy stockpiling in the first half of the year, combined with rising prices, disrupted the market’s traditional seasonal pattern. Manufacturers are buying and assembling more expensive PCs, while customers are waiting for the situation to improve.

Comments

Name:

:)