Worse than expected double-digit quarterly drop in PC shipments possible: IDC

Chinese government spending cuts and anti-corruption laws could lead to a blowout double digit year-on-year drop in first quarter PC shipments, according to IDC.

Reuters reports IDC had initially estimated a decline of 7.7% for the quarter off the back of a shift in consumer preferences towards tablets over traditional desktop PCs and tablets.

However, with China now accounting for one in every five PCs sold worldwide, sluggish PC sales in the Chinese market could potentially have a major impact on global shipments.

IDC predicts that overall PC shipments in 2013 will end up falling by between 1.8% and 2% for the full year of 2013, although that figure now assumes a significant turnaround by PC makers later in the year.

“Even getting to positive growth in the second half of 2013 will take some attractive new PC designs and more competitive pricing relative to tablets and other products,” he said.