PC shipments in the Asia-Pacific region are expected to decrease by 13.7% in 2026 compared to the previous year. It is projected to decline from 106.6 million units to 92.0 million. This situation was reported by the International Data Corporation (IDC). IDC attributes this decline to shortages in DRAM and NAND components caused by AI data centers pulling memory supply from consumer PC production.

Maciek Gornicki, Senior Research Manager for Device Research at IDC Asia-Pacific, explained that strong demand stemming from AI infrastructure has created significant constraints in the global DRAM and NAND supply. Memory manufacturers are shifting production capacity from consumer electronics to meet the increasing needs of data centers.

Reasons for the Increase in Asia-Pacific PC Shipments in 2025 and the Decline in 2026

The 11.6% growth forecast for 2025 is driven by several factors: the replacement of old devices, the end of support for Windows 10 in October 2025, and large-scale education deployments in the region. These one-time demands are not expected to repeat in 2026.

As this refresh cycle is largely completed, fundamental demand has slowed. At the same time, component shortages and rising memory prices are exacerbating the slowdown on the supply side.

How AI Data Centers Are Squeezing Consumer DRAM and NAND Supply

Memory manufacturers are shifting production capacity to data center customers, who provide higher margins for DRAM than consumer PC components. This shift reduces the available memory supply for PC production, leading to tightening in the markets and generally higher component prices.

According to IDC, PC vendors are likely to focus on markets with higher average selling prices to maintain their margins. Emerging markets in Southeast Asia are the most sensitive to the combined effects of supply shortages and price increases; they are more dependent on lower-cost devices and their consumers are more price-sensitive.

The Implications of DRAM Shortages for PC Buyers in Asia-Pacific

Rising DRAM prices are affecting system manufacturers that supply components and consumers purchasing pre-built systems. IDC expects shortages to drive up prices and reduce overall demand throughout 2026. No specific timeline has been provided for when memory supply constraints will ease.

In January 2026, IDC indicated that the PC market is likely to face challenges throughout the year. The outlook for the Asia-Pacific region aligns with this previous assessment.