The UK emerged as Europe’s top-performing PC market in December as sales across the region rebounded 7% in the final month of the year.
That’s according to market intelligence firm CONTEXT, which analyses sales through UK and European IT distributors.
The embattled PC market continued its modest recovery in Q4, CONTEXT said, with combined notebook, desktop and tablet revenues across Europe growing 3% year on year in the final three months of the year.
“The final quarter of the year saw a small but meaningful increase in PC revenues, driven by promotional activities during the holiday season as well as local government initiatives in the commercial segment,” stated Marie-Christine Pygott, Senior Analyst at CONTEXT.
Spain was the quarter’s star performer, with revenue up 13.5% (thanks partly to the impact of its ‘Digital Kit Initiative’ in the commercial sector).
The UK, however, had the strongest December thanks to a surge in consumer e-tail sales, bolstered by seasonal discounts and promotions, Pygott said.
The year ended on a high for the region as a whole, with December revenues up 7% year on year.
“However, while these gains are encouraging, the overall European performance remains modest, reflecting the challenges the industry continues to face,” Pygott said.
“PC market set for accelerating growth”
CONTEXT’s findings come after Canalys branded 2024 a “year of modest recovery” for the global PC market.
The rival market watcher claims the market clocked up its fifth consecutive quarter of growth in Q4, as total shipments of desktops, notebooks and workstations rose 4.6% to 67.4m units.
Lenovo extended its lead over the chasing pack in Q4, growing marketshare from 24.9% to 25% on the back of 4.9% annual growth. Shipments at second- and third-ranked HP and Dell both fell marginally.
AI-capable PCs are set to account for 35% of worldwide shipments in 2025, Canalys said.
“Looking ahead, the PC market is set for accelerating growth, primarily driven by commercial demand as businesses prepare for the end of Windows 10,” stated Ishan Dutt, Principal Analyst at Canalys.
“The advances showcased at CES 2025 highlight the industry’s commitment to making AI-capable PCs a halo category, enticing customers into conversations around a wider fleet refresh.”
