China’s total PC shipments during October-December 2010 reached 15.7 million units, a decline of 8.7% from the third quarter of 2010 while the total PC shipments increased 4.2% over the same period in 2009, according to a new report by IDC.
Desktop computer shipments rose to 5.8 million units in 4Q10, an increase of 3.9% from 3Q10 and 11.5% over the same period in 2009.
Laptop shipments hit 3.2 million units, decreasing 0.3% from the third quarter, and rising 8.7% year over year.
The report revealed that inflation pressure has curbed the growth of China’s PC market as laptop shipments for home use in 4Q10 dropped 36% compared to the previous quarter and high inventory levels and a lack of new products also helped to curb the growth.
However, the fourth quarter witnessed sales gains for 3C products and other new rising retail terminals, which helped to drive up sales volumes of computer manufacturers such as Apple and Haier who sell products via 3C retail shops with their market shares in 4Q10 jumped 277.1% and 52.0% respectively.
The commercial PC market performed better than home use market with sales of desktop computers for commercial use rose 11.5% compared to the same period in 2009, while sales of laptops for commercial use rose 8.7% year over year.
The research firm said that demand from the education industry and large enterprises helped to drive the commercial use computer market, with shipments to the education industry in 4Q10 reaching 1.4 million units, an increase of 12.4% year over year.
In addition, shipments to large enterprises in 4Q10 rose to 937,000, an increase of 31.1% year over year. Within this segment, shipments to financial industries witnessed significant growth; and shipment to medium and small enterprises reached 5.7 million units, an increase of 6.7%.
The report forecasts that China’s PC shipments to grow 10.8% year over year in 2011; and tier-4, tier-5, and tier-6 cities are expected to sustain their projected growth of 14.3% annually.
