PC shipments see most severe yearly decline on record

Worldwide PC shipments are expected to fall by -10.1% in 2013 – the most severe yearly contraction on record – according to the International Data Corporation.

In a new report, the company notes that interest in PCs has remained limited and there is little indication of positive growth beyond replacement of existing systems.

Total shipments are expected to decline by an additional -3.8% in 2014, with IDC predicting that total PC shipments will remain just above 300 million during the forecast – barely ahead of 2008 volumes.

The report found that the commercial market is faring significantly better than the consumer market thus far this year, with shipments declining by -5% and -15%, respectively.

“Perhaps the chief concern for future PC demand is a lack of reasons to replace an older system,” said Jay Chou, senior research analyst at IDC.

“[…] PC usage is declining each year as more devices become available. And despite industry efforts, PC usage has not moved significantly beyond consumption and productivity tasks to differentiate PCs from other devices.

“As a result, PC lifespans continue to increase, thereby limiting market growth.”