PC Shipments Decline Amid Memory Shortages and Price Hikes

U.S. PC Shipments Decline

According to a report from Omdia, U.S. shipments of PCs decreased by 7% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, totaling 15.8 million units. The decline is attributed to rising prices and component shortages, primarily affecting the lower-end PC segment.

Average PC prices this year are expected to rise above $1,000, putting additional pressure on consumer purchasing power. This trend continues the significant decline in PC sales since the end of 2023.

Global PC Shipment Trends

Engadget reports a nearly 5% drop in worldwide PC shipments, now standing at 68.2 million units, marking the first decrease in two years according to IDC. The downturn is linked to an AI-driven memory shortage that started to exacerbate in late 2025.

Despite the decline in shipments, revenue for PC manufacturers is on the rise due to vendors raising prices faster than the fall in demand.

Impact of Memory Shortages

Both Omdia and IDC reports highlight that the memory shortage has significantly affected the PC market, not just in the U.S. but globally. This shortage has led to increasing component prices and contributed to a marked downturn in PC purchases, especially in the budget segments.

The global memory crisis, driven by high demand and limited production, is expected to persist until 2028, impacting PC manufacturers and consumers alike.

Future Outlook for PC Market

There is a projected recovery on the horizon with PC sales expected to begin rebounding by 2027. By 2028, sales levels might return to those seen in 2025, according to Omdia's forecasts. Recovery may be tied to new memory fabs coming online, potentially alleviating the current shortages.

The ongoing challenges underscore a complex dynamics where despite lower unit shipments, the industry sees increased revenues, showing resilience amidst component shortages and economic pressures.