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Laptop Shipments to Decline 9.4% in 2026 as CPU Supply Eases Amid Rising Component Costs
Electronic Technology · Computer Peripherals · cnyes · 2026-09-04
TrendForce reports that while CPU supply improvements will help stabilize 2026 laptop shipments, brands face significant pressure from rising memory and processor costs.
What Happened
Supply Chain Recovery: Global laptop shipments are expected to see a moderated decline of 9.4% in 2026 as CPU supply constraints ease starting in the second quarter. Brands have ramped up procurement and production, supported by steady commercial demand and early replacement cycles.
Rising Cost Pressures: The cost structure of laptops has been reshaped by surging prices for DRAM, SSDs, and CPUs, which now account for 68% of the BOM compared to 45% in early 2025. To maintain historical profit margins, manufacturers would theoretically need to raise retail prices by 80%, creating significant friction in the consumer market.
Shift in Shipment Patterns: The traditional peak season dynamic has shifted, with demand pulling forward into the first half of 2026, resulting in a 53:47 shipment split. Despite this, brands remain aggressive in their shipment strategies to protect market share and leverage existing inventory buffers.
Market Outlook: As low-cost inventory is depleted, brands will face increased pressure to pass on costs to consumers. Future market growth will depend heavily on the elasticity of demand, the magnitude of price hikes, and how manufacturers balance profitability against competitive market positioning.