According to the latest data from Canalys, China's PERSONAL COMPUTER shipments (excluding tablets) increased by 9% to 16.5 million units in the fourth quarter of 2021. Overall, the Chinese market achieved strong growth in 2021, with annual shipments increasing by 10% to 57 million units. Notebook shipments increased 12% year-over-year to 10.8 million units in the fourth quarter and 36.5 million units for the full year 2021. Desktop shipments also rose 2.5 percent to 5.6 million units in the fourth quarter, bringing full-year shipments to 20.4 million units, 15 percent higher than in 2020. In the fourth quarter, Lenovo (00992) ranked first in the desktop and notebook market with 6.9 million units shipped, up 8% year-over-year, with its strong appeal to commercial customers.
Dell US) held on to its second-place position, with market share up 1% from a year ago and shipments of 2.1 million units in the fourth quarter, up 20% year-over-year. HP ranked third with 1.5 million units shipped, up 13 percent from the fourth quarter of 2020. ASUS was a huge success with the ROG game brand and the VivoBook and ZenBook series, with shipments reaching 900,000 units in the fourth quarter of 2021, returning to fourth place with a growth rate of 38%. Fifth-ranked Acer's shipments grew 28% year-over-year, trailing Asus by just a fraction of a centimeter.
From the perspective of the whole year of 2021, the market concentration has increased, and the top manufacturers have occupied most of the market share. Lenovo's market share grew from 36% in 2020 to 40% in 2021, and its leading position in the domestic market further increased. Dell, the second-placed, saw a 18% increase in shipments and a 1% increase in market share compared to 2020. In 2021, HP shipped 5.3 million units, up 14% from 2020, becoming the third largest manufacturer in China. Asus and Acer finished fourth and fifth respectively, with the former achieving the highest annual growth rate of 36%.
"In 2021, excellent PC supply chain management will benefit large manufacturers, while bringing great challenges to small manufacturers and new entrants." Canalys analyst Emma Xu said, "In addition, with the growth of online procurement, manufacturers need to invest in online marketing activities, distribution and related after-sales services to better shape brand reputation and promote sustainable business growth." The latest COVID-19 lockdown restrictions implemented in Some cities in March 2022 will also increase competition in China's PC market. With millions of people having to work from home again, learn and play, this presents a huge opportunity for PC manufacturers with a strong product portfolio, an ample supply of devices and a familiar market strategy. ”