In a notable surge for the tech industry, the first quarter of 2025 saw a remarkable increase in PC shipments, with a total of 62.67 million units delivered worldwide. This marks a 9.4% increase compared to the same period last year, according to a report by Canalys, as cited by News.ro. The report encompasses all categories of PCs, including workstations, desktops, and laptops.
Among these shipments, laptops accounted for 49.4 million units, reflecting a 10% increase from the previous year. Desktop shipments also saw a healthy rise, totaling 13.3 million units, which is an 8% increase compared to last year's figures. The data illustrates a growing demand for personal computing devices as consumers and businesses alike continue to adapt to a more digital lifestyle.
Leading the charge in this growth were Lenovo and HP, the top two companies in the market. Lenovo increased its shipments by 10.7%, while HP followed closely with a 6.1% rise. Dell, another significant player, reported a more modest increase of 3%. However, it was Apple that made headlines with a staggering 22.1% increase in shipments, delivering 6.5 million units in the first quarter of 2025. This growth represents the highest increase among the major players in the industry, showcasing Apple's continued popularity and market resilience.
The rise in PC shipments can be attributed to several factors. A significant driver has been the apprehension regarding potential import tariffs, prompting Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to bolster their inventories. Additionally, the impending end of support for Windows 10 has likely spurred consumers to upgrade their devices in anticipation of future software compatibility issues.
Simultaneously, the e-commerce landscape in Romania has also experienced a noteworthy transformation. OLX, a prominent online marketplace, reported a substantial 46% increase in transactions for electronics delivered directly through its OLX Delivery service in the first quarter of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. This growth indicates a shift in consumer behavior, with more people opting for online purchases of electronic goods.
Among the most sought-after products on OLX were drones, gadgets, wearables, and photo-video cameras, which collectively saw a remarkable 60% increase in sales. Video projectors and their dedicated accessories also gained traction, with a 66% increase in transactions. Most impressively, accessories for phones and tablets skyrocketed by 175%, suggesting a growing interest in enhancing existing devices rather than purchasing entirely new ones.
January 2025 stood out as the most active month for electronics orders delivered via OLX, recording a 67% increase compared to January 2024. This trend reflects a growing comfort among Romanian consumers with purchasing second-hand electronics, especially when they have the opportunity to inspect products before payment.
To further encourage the use of its delivery service, OLX launched a free delivery campaign running from April 7 to April 13, 2025. Each day of the campaign featured a different category of products eligible for free delivery, culminating in a weekend where all categories were included. The categories covered included:
- April 7 – Electronics and home appliances
- April 8 – Home and garden
- April 9 – Sports, leisure, and art
- April 10 – Fashion and beauty
- April 11 – Mother and child
- April 12-13 – All categories
This strategic move aims to boost consumer engagement and expand the platform's reach in the competitive e-commerce market.
Moreover, OLX has observed a significant increase in the number of sellers within the Electronics & Appliances category, which rose by 43.53% in the first three months of 2025. This uptick indicates that users are increasingly willing to promote their listings to attract more potential buyers. The 46% growth in electronics transactions suggests that Romanians are becoming more comfortable with purchasing second-hand electronics, particularly when they have options that allow them to assess the product before making a payment.
The heightened interest in gadgets and accessories indicates a shift in consumer priorities, as many seek affordable solutions to upgrade their equipment without resorting to more expensive new products. This trend may also reflect the maturation of the peer-to-peer e-commerce market in Romania, as consumers become more adept at navigating online platforms for their purchasing needs.
As the tech landscape continues to evolve, both the PC market and the online electronics marketplace are poised for further growth. With consumers increasingly embracing digital solutions and online shopping, companies will need to adapt to meet the changing demands of the market.
In summary, the first quarter of 2025 has shown promising signs for both PC manufacturers and online marketplaces in Romania. The increase in shipments and transactions highlights a growing confidence among consumers in both new and second-hand electronics, setting the stage for an exciting year ahead in the tech industry.
