Global notebook shipments, excluding detachable models, outperformed expectations in the second quarter of 2025, rising 11.8% quarter-on-quarter. This growth was largely driven by major notebook brands accelerating inventory buildup in anticipation of the US Section 232 semiconductor investigation, the results of which are expected in the third quarter.
Fearing that consumer electronics like notebooks could face steep tariffs, many brands front-loaded production and increased inventory levels, particularly in North American distribution channels. Shipments to the education sector also saw a notable uptick, supported by the back-to-school season in North America.
Looking ahead to the third quarter of 2025, since notebook brands were actively stocking up in the second quarter, this resulted in a higher shipment base and increased inventory levels in North American channels. Furthermore, notebook prices are expected to rise in the third quarter of 2025 due to tariffs and component price increases.
Chart 1: Key factors affecting 3Q25 global notebook shipments: Supply
Chart 2: Key factors affecting 3Q25 global notebook shipments: Demand
Chart 3: Key factors affecting 3Q25 global notebook shipments: Brands
Chart 8: Global shipments by major vendor, 2Q24-4Q25 (k units)
Chart 17: Taiwan and Global notebook shipments, 2021-2025 (k units)
Chart 19: Global shipments by major vendor, 2022-2025 (k units)
