The Latin American market for personal computers experienced a slow first quarter, as most of the leading economies adjusted to the impact of the economic crisis in Asia, which meant reduced demand, particularly in the home user segment, according to figures from the International Data Corp. Shipments were down almost 17% compared to the first quarter of this year. Brazil, the largest individual market, went through a tight period in the first three months, as the market adjusted to a doubling of interest rates and an increase in personal income tax in the last quarter of 1997.Venezuela too went through a very sluggish quarter. Mexico’s economy is still growing fast despite falling oil prices, and shipments there were up 33% compared to the same quarter in 1997.
