- A new IDC study shows an increase in PC sales and laptops in North America compared to T1 2024
- This is probably the result of American tariff uncertainty, manufacturers warning consumers of possible shortages
- There is a chance that the 90 -day break can be returned
Although the PC equipment market has always had cases of high demand for certain office components (notably GPUs) and laptops, it undoubtedly reaches unprecedented levels due to American prices, and a new study corroborates it.
As reported in Notebookcheck, IDC evidence (which follows equipment sales) suggest that office sales and laptops in North America have increased since the implementation of American prices, and manufacturers have also warned consumers of potential supply shortages, actually leading to the purchase of panic.
The study shows that in the first quarter of 2025, compared to the first quarter of 2024, sales of laptops increased by 26.9% and office computers increased by 35.3%. This seems to come from a fear that prices will suddenly be soaring or, worse, sales can be interrupted. We have seen this happen with Razer, who previously interrupted its sales of laptops due to American prices.
In particular, there is an active 90-day break on larger prices, while the basic tariff of 10% on imports in the United States remains. However, there is uncertainty as to whether it will be canceled, which could affect sales of PC equipment. A large majority of the manufacturing of PC equipment takes place in China and the prices are now up to 145% on all its imports in the United States.
It is therefore not surprising to see sales significantly, before things become uncontrollable – and on the basis of the GPU market trend, it could be a good idea to buy any PC equipment at retail price while things are relatively stable – because who knows what chaos the American tarrifs could be unleashed if they are restored.
It’s the best time to buy what you need, but not at ridiculous prices
The request for PC equipment is undoubtedly at the highest level (in particular compared to the COVVI-19 period), but the only thing we should not do is buy too expensive products.
Although I would say that this is particularly true with regard to GPUs, prices are far above what they have launched, the same goes for predefined office PCs and laptops. Fortunately, I have not seen a case of pre-constructed systems or obscene laptops, which is probably because they have always been slightly expensive at the start (especially high-end configurations).
I am sure that we all hope that the prices will not become uncontrollable, and as there is not much clarity on how the PC market will be assigned in the near future, the best time could be the best time to jump on the attractive material offers you find.
