Worldwide shipments of personal computers (PCs) fell 29% in this year’s first quarter due to weak demand, excess inventory, and a deteriorating economic environment, according to market research firm International Data Corporation (IDC).
IDC said that global PC shipments totaled 56.9 million in Q1, down from 80.2 million in the same period of 2022.
The slump in global PC shipments during Q1 followed a similar year-over-year decline of 28% in the fourth and final quarter of 2022.
Among the top PC companies, Apple's (AAPL) Q1 shipments saw the biggest decline at 40.5%, while Dell Technologies (DELL) came in second place with a decline in its shipments of 31%.
In February, Apple reported that sales of its Mac computers, which boomed during the pandemic, declined 29% year-over-year to $7.7 billion U.S. in Q1 of this year.
Fears are growing that persistent inflation and tight monetary policy would hamper growth in the PC market throughout this year.
IDC concluded its Q1 report by stating: “If recession in key markets drags on into next year, recovery could be a slog.”
Apple’s stock is flat (down 0.66%) over the last 12 months at $164.66 U.S. per share.
