Computers and Peripherals in Latin America

Key Findings

Increasing usage of smartphones has led to further decline in retail volume sales of computers and peripherals

The Latin American computers and peripherals market declined by an annual average of 7% CAGR in retail volume over 2013-2018, as consumers increasingly shifted towards smartphones for their daily computer activities, such as web-browsing, social media usage, entertainment and online shopping. Household possession of smartphones increased from 35% to 64% over 2013-2018.

Business volume sales of laptops in Mexico boosted the overall category

Mexican companies are becoming increasingly open to flexible office hours and remote working. Increased employee mobility is now essential for businesses, and thus, many companies around the country are abandoning desktop computers and moving to business laptops. This, contributed to the volume CAGR of 6% for portable computers over 2013-2018.

Innovative and new variants of computers and peripherals are expected to foster growth in the coming 3-5 years

Sales of the new convertible tablets with detachable keyboards are expected to grow, albeit slowly, as they appeal to young adults, despite their marginally higher prices than fixed alternatives. Also, the new category of printers with the functionality of being used via smartphones are likely to help revive the declining peripherals category.

Lenovo increased its company share in the region, with strong growth in Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Argentina

Lenovo saw the strongest growth across the region over 2013-2018, owing to takeover of Motorola from Google Inc. in 2013, therefore posting a volume CAGR of 8% for computers and peripherals. Mexico and Chile remain significant markets for the company in the region. Lenovo continues its strategy of innovating to spur purchases, for example by offering convertible products at competitive prices.