PC Sales Plunge as Computer Dealers Struggle to Shift Laptops

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – The global personal computer (PC) market slumped in the third quarter of 2026. The industry downturn was driven by supply shortages and an increasingly uncontrolled surge in the price of memory components (RAM).

The shortage and soaring component costs, dubbed “RAMmageddon”, hit PC shipment volumes hard amid weak global consumer purchasing power.

The latest report from International Data Corporation (IDC) recorded global PC shipments of just 62.7 million units in the third quarter of 2026. That was a 9.1% fall from the previous quarter and a steep 20.1% decline year on year.

IDC said supply-chain disruptions and rising retail prices were the main factors eroding consumer interest. The situation has prolonged pressure on the PC industry as memory components remain expensive worldwide.

In July 2026, IDC reported the first decline in PC shipments after nine consecutive quarters of growth. That report came a few months after the research firm cut its full-year 2026 PC market forecast.

Distributors wary of stockpiling

Jitesh Ubrani, IDC’s research director for consumer devices, said distributors were now reluctant to build up supplies because of concerns about a sluggish market.

“Distribution channels are very concerned about holding too much inventory when high prices continue to weigh on consumer demand,” Ubrani said, as quoted by Engadget on Tuesday (13 October 2026).

According to Ubrani, distributors’ concerns could lead to more discount and promotional campaigns in the short term. Nevertheless, IDC stressed that PC prices would not return to last year’s normal levels any time soon.

“Prices will remain high. With macroeconomic conditions worsening, the risk is that the outlook for the next few quarters will deteriorate before it eventually improves,” he said.

The situation poses a serious challenge for consumers planning to buy laptops, desktop computers or retail PC components. Persistent price increases are expected to constrain purchasing power, while global economic uncertainty continues to cloud the market’s recovery over the coming quarters.

Consumers who urgently need a new device are advised to take advantage of discounts. Those without an immediate need may be better off postponing their purchase until component prices stabilise.