Global Computer Hardware Manufacturing - Market Size, Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecasts (2024-2029)

Global computer hardware manufacturers produce a diverse range of products, including desktop and laptop personal computers (PCs), computer peripherals and storage devices. Through the current period, competing trends have defined performance. Growing competition from tablet devices and mobile phones has eroded demand for traditional PCs worldwide, culminating in declining PC shipments despite robust demand during the pandemic. Price competition has also limited manufacturers' potential. Overall, revenue has contracted at an estimated CAGR of 3.2% through the current period to $227.6 billion, despite a 2.7% recovery in 2024, where profit reached 6.2%.

Trends and Insights

• Manufacturers have endured rising competition from substitute products.
• Computers and laptops have been unable to match the mobility of smartphones and tablets. The processing power of these substitutes have also increased, making PCs less necessary for most consumers. Notebooks and laptops represent the largest revenue source for computer manufacturers.
• Consumers want lighter, more portable devices, siphoning demand from desktop computers. Most companies are in North Asia and Southeast Asia.
• These locations have fewer regulations and close access to many key semiconductor and electronic component manufacturers. Companies often release new computer hardware and peripheral models each year.
• Manufacturers must integrate the latest technology and advancements to remain competitive.

Industry Overview

Industry revenue has declined at a CAGR of 3.2 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated $227.6bn in 2024.

Trends and Insights

Computer sales skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic Multiple factors contributed to robust growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. In many developed nations, pandemic stimulus and aid programs contributed to elevated shipment volumes in 2020 and 2021.

Industry outlook (2024-2029)

Market size is projected to grow over the next five years.

Trends and Insights

• Companies will continue to prioritize more profitable markets
• Slow growth and limited opportunity in PC markets may encourage some manufacturers to shift to other, more profitable industries. For instance, Toshiba sold its PC business in 2015, while prominent contract manufacturer Compal has shifted most of its production to smartphones, wearables and smart home devices.