PC Shipments Grew Fastest in Four Years to Avoid Tariffs

PC shipments grew at their fastest quarterly pace since the pandemic after companies from Apple Inc. to Dell Technologies Inc. hastened product deliveries around the world before tariffs hit.

Laptops led the way as the entire spectrum of desktops, workstations and portable computers rose 9.4% to 62.7 million units in the first quarter, according to market tracker Canalys. It was the fastest increase for the industry since the spring of 2021, when Covid restrictions were driving demand for electronics to work and play at home. The surge was especially pronounced with respect to the US, but the researchers warned that end-user demand is largely stable and the current quarter will take a hit.