China Overtakes U.S. in PC Shipments

China has reached yet another milestone in its rise as a consumer of technology by becoming the biggest market for personal computers. In the second quarter, manufacturers shipped 18.5 million PCs in China compared with 17.7 million in the United States, according to IDC, a market research firm.

It is the first time that shipments in China have exceeded those in the United States. The shift reflects China’s growing appetite for electronics and the increasing wealth of its huge population. However, it is likely just a temporary phenomenon — at least this year. The United States is expected to remain the top market for the full year with 73.5 million PC shipments versus 72.4 million in China, IDC said. Shipments in the United States typically rise in the fourth quarter because of the holidays — offsetting a slower pace the rest of the year — while China’s contracts after the traditional summer discounts. In 2012, however, China is expected to lead the annual ranking.

(Aug 23)