Home / Business and Economy / PC Shipments Plummet Amid Soaring Component Costs
PC Shipments Plummet Amid Soaring Component Costs
16 Mar
Summary
- Global PC shipments projected to fall by 12% in 2026.
- Memory and storage costs expected to surge by 60% in Q1 2026.
- Budget computers under $500 to see a 28% shipment decline.
Global PC shipments are projected to fall by 12% to around 245 million units in 2026, as critical component shortages intensify. Research indicates a significant surge of at least 60% in memory and storage prices during the first quarter of 2026, compelling vendors to revise their PC strategies and configurations. This price increase has already added between $90 and $165 to mainstream memory and storage costs since early 2025.
Budget computers, specifically those priced below $500, are expected to bear the brunt of this downturn, with shipments anticipated to drop by 28% to approximately 62.1 million units. Analysts note that this segment has limited flexibility to absorb rising costs, making it more vulnerable to demand reduction. Conversely, higher-priced systems exceeding $900 appear more resilient, as consumers and IT decision-makers may accept elevated price points for essential needs.
The overall outlook for 2026 signals a challenging year for the PC market. Production and pricing decisions will be heavily influenced by ongoing component shortages and escalating costs. The future trajectory of the market will largely depend on how effectively manufacturers navigate these supply chain and cost pressures.
