Recovery signs as notebook computer shipments rebound in 2Q23

Market news | July 4, 2023

By Peter Clarke

Embedded market Notebook

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Notebook computer shipments likely hit a quarterly low in 1Q23 and resumed a growth trajectory in 2Q23 after six quarters of decline, according to market researcher TrendForce.

However, growth is likely to remain slow in the 2H23 due to the persistent global economic weakness, TrendForce said.

Global shipments of notebook computers were 40.45 million units in 2Q23, an increase of 15.7 percent quarter-on-quarter, TrendForce estimates. This marks a turnaround after six consecutive quarters of decline for this market (see Chip market recession hit its fifth quarter in 1Q23, says Omdia).

Forecast of quarterly shipments of global notebook computers in 2023. Source: TrendForce.

But because of the depth of decline in previous quarters shipments in 2Q23 will still be down 11.6 percent on the same quarter a year before. TrendForce expects sequential growth to continue in 3Q23 and 4Q23 but at slower growth rates of 6.5 and 3.8 percent, respectively.

The notebook computer market is expected to remain in a consolidation phase throughout 2023, with an estimated total shipment volume of about 163 million units – still a YoY reduction of 12.2 percent.

Recovery or Chromebook blip?

Entry-level notebook computers and Chromebooks showed early recovery in 2Q23. Since March restocking orders have started to flow in several markets, including North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia although economic constraints are limiting consumers’ disposable income, TrendForce said.

TrendForce added that Google’s decision to impose a licensing fee on Chromebook computer makers from July 1, 2023, has prompted a boost in Chromebook shipments as they attempt to ship units while avoiding these costs.