Analysts: PC shipments returned to growth in third quarter

Worldwide shipments of desktop PCs and laptops increased in the past quarter, according to both Gartner and IDC. Shortages of Intel processors and the trade dispute between the US and China had a limited impact on deliveries.

The analyst firms Gartner and IDC have released their figures for the number of PCs delivered worldwide for the third quarter. According to Gartner, shipments were up 1.1 percent, while IDC saw greater growth, at 3 percent. At the beginning of this year, deliveries also increased.

Both agencies mention the Intel chip shortages over the period and the opportunities this offers for AMD to gain market share, but at the same time the analysts found that the shortages were limited and had little impact on the delivery figures.

The trade war between the US and China also had virtually no effect, but this could change if higher US import tariffs come into effect in December. On the other hand, some companies still have to make the switch from Windows 7 to Windows 10, which could have a positive effect on deliveries.