The global laptop market faces a potential decline in 2027 due to rising costs for key components. According to TrendForce, shipments could drop by several percent in a base scenario, with a potential decrease of nearly 10% if component prices remain high.
In the third quarter of 2026, processors, RAM, and SSDs accounted for approximately 68% of the total component cost for a standard laptop priced at $900. This concentration of costs forces manufacturers to choose between raising retail prices, reducing profit margins, or simplifying device configurations.
The manufacturing landscape is also shifting. TrendForce estimates that China's share of global laptop production, which stood at approximately 24% in 2025, is projected to fall to 21% in 2026 and drop below 20% by 2027.
Future market performance remains heavily dependent on the pricing of processors and memory. Should these costs fail to stabilize, manufacturers will likely continue to adjust device specifications and pricing strategies to maintain viability.
