Taiwan's notebook shipments enjoyed better-than-expected growths in the fourth quarter of 2021, picking up over 10% sequentially, stronger than the 9% of the global average.
Global notebook shipments in the third quarter performed better than expected in July. The volumes rose 3.1% sequentially and reached more than 62 million units, the second highest level ever.
Global tablet shipments started to decline due to the component shortage. In 2022, with the component shortage easing, global tablet shipments are projected to increase 1.3% from the 2021 level.
Global notebook shipments are expected to come to 236 million units in 2021, once again setting a new record in history. However, the year-over-year growth will fall short of the prior year level but will still be in the two-digit range.
Taiwan's notebook shipments only grew 2.7% sequentially in the second quarter of 2021, as component short supply was worse than expected. The volumes were up 8.6% on year in the quarter.
Digitimes Research saw the supply-demand gaps for notebook panels, IC chips and processors all exceed 10% in the second quarter of 2021, and will see improvement in some components in the third quarter of 2021.
Global notebook shipments not including devices with detachable keyboards went down only 8.7% sequentially in the first quarter of 2021 as demand for education and gaming models remained robust and previously unfulfilled orders were delivered.
Global notebook shipments, excluding detachable models, surged over 10% sequentially to hit a fresh high of 60 million units in fourth-quarter 2020, mainly driven by robust demand for remote work and study amid the worsening pandemic woes, year-end e-commerce promotion campaigns and government subsidies to consumers.