IDC: global PC market grew in Q1 2025, but US tariffs threaten stability
By ForGeeks According to a new report from IDC, global PC shipments reached 63.2 million units in the first quarter of 2025, up 4.9% year-on-year. The growth is largely due to massive purchases of components from China before the new U.S. duties came into effect. But now those duties – up to 104% on Chinese parts – are jeopardizing the gains.
The largest manufacturers – Lenovo, HP, Dell, Acer and ASUS – have suspended all shipments of laptops and components to the US for at least two weeks. The goal is to re-evaluate logistics and pricing in the face of the new tariffs.
Lenovo maintained its market leadership, shipping 15.2 million units, up 10.8% year-on-year. The company’s market share reached 24.1%. Apple posted the strongest growth, +14.1%, thanks to strong demand for AI-accelerated Macs. HP and Dell also recorded growth, with 12.8 million units (+3.2%) and 9.6 million (+2.4%), respectively.
IDC warns: the imposition of duties will force manufacturers to raise prices for consumers, exacerbating inflation. The industry faces the choice of shifting production outside of China, absorbing some of the costs to preserve margins, or passing them on to consumers, risking a drop in sales. The mid-price PC segment will be hit hardest, while premium brands like Apple will be better able to absorb the blow.
