PC Market Rebound Will Drive Double-Digit Growth through 2014: IDC Reports

Based on the stats provided by the International Data Corp., or “IDC (News - Alert),” Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker, the yearly growth rate for the worldwide PC market in 2009 was just 2.9 percent. After being severely constrained during the first half, steeply discounted PCs along with improving economic conditions helped to steer the global PC market back into the black during the latter half of 2009.

Portable PCs continued to remain the key market driver, with shipments increasing 18.4 percent in 2009 compared to 2008. Consumer purchases of portable PCs were the sole driver of the market, growing at 38.5 percent. Commercial shipments were severely constrained but showed signs of life towards the end of the year as fourth quarter growth came in just under 1 percent, which provides a glimmer of hope for an anticipated commercial refresh in 2010.

 “PC volume continued to grow in 2009 – fairing much better than in 2001, when a smaller recession produced a decline in PC volume,” said Jay Chou, research analyst, IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker. “The positive 2009 results reflect lower prices and the fact that PCs are increasingly a must-have product.”

As the recovery continues to pick up, the PC market is expected to resume expansion in 2010 with an expected global growth of 12.6 percent. The emerging regions, which have been instrumental in reviving the market, are expected to maintain course; growing 18.5 percent in 2010 and overtake mature markets in volume during 2010 and beyond. The IDC predicts that mature markets should see 2010 come in at 7.2 percent, with double digit volume growth resuming in 2011.

Portable PCs will continue to remain the driver of growth across consumer and commercial segments, reaching a 70 percent share of PCs by 2012. During this time, desktop PCs will see a decline across all regions except Asia/Pacific, excluding Japan, which will result in slightly positive yearly growth throughout the forecast period.

 “IDC is keenly focused on the forthcoming tablet device market. However, we don’t expect these products – which do not meet the current IDC definition of a PC – will stunt the strong growth in PCs we’re expecting to see this year,” said Bob O’Donnell, vice president of Clients and Displays, IDC.