PC Market Growth Expected in 2025 Despite Tariff Uncertainty

Updated May 29, 2025
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Contrary to‍ expectations, the PC market is now projected to grow⁤ in 2025, according to research firm IDC.‍ The surprising forecast cites tariff strategies as a ⁢key driver for this unexpected growth in PC sales.

IDC reported Wednesday that PC shipments are expected to increase by 4.1% in 2025, reaching 274 million units. However, the firm also anticipates a market contraction beginning ⁤in the latter half⁢ of 2025 and continuing into ⁤2026. the PC market growth is influenced by several factors,including the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

While the end of support for Windows 10 this October was expected to boost hardware sales, IDC suggests that PC manufacturers accelerated shipments to the U.S. in anticipation of tariffs, which have fluctuated considerably.

“The 90 day pause and tariffs exemption applied to personal computers, combined with a definite level of uncertainty on what will happen after the 90 day pause, is motivating ‍PC manufacturers to seize the moment and ship larger than anticipated volumes in the U.S.,” said Jean Philippe Bouchard, a research vice-president with IDC’s worldwide PC Trackers.

Bouchard added that macroeconomic pressures and declining consumer sentiment could negatively impact the PC market in the‍ latter half of 2025. Despite this, IDC anticipates healthy ⁤commercial demand for PCs as businesses⁤ continue to migrate to Windows 11.

In Europe, the PC market is expected to follow a more traditional ⁤pattern, with growth anticipated in the second half of the year⁣ as businesses upgrade to⁢ Windows 11-compatible hardware. The PC market growth ⁤is ⁢a complex interplay of⁢ tariffs, Windows migration, and economic factors.

What’s next

Looking ahead, the PC market’s trajectory remains uncertain, contingent on tariff policies, macroeconomic conditions, and the pace of Windows 11 adoption. Market watchers will closely monitor these factors to refine future⁢ forecasts.