Global PC shipments decline 21 percent in third quarter
Global personal computer shipments fell by 21 percent year-over-year in the third quarter of 2026, driven by rising component costs and softening consumer demand.
Data from Counterpoint Research confirms that global PC shipments dropped 21 percent in the third quarter of 2026, ending a two-year period of sustained growth. This decline mirrors similar findings from market analysts at IDC and Omdia, signaling a broader contraction in the consumer electronics sector.
Industry analysts attribute the slump to significant increases in the cost of essential hardware components. Prices for RAM, SSD storage, and processors from major manufacturers such as Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm have risen sharply over the last several months. These cost increases have been passed down to consumers, resulting in higher retail prices for both mobile and desktop computing hardware.
The downturn is not limited to the PC market. The same reporting period saw smartphone shipments reach their lowest volume in 14 years. As component pricing stabilizes or continues to fluctuate, manufacturers face pressure to adjust their supply chains to navigate the current shift in consumer spending habits.