PC builders may be able to breathe a sigh of relief soon. Andrew Hou, president of Pan-Asia Pacific Operations for Acer, spoke with reporters recently about the global chip shortage. Like many manufacturers, Acer saw huge spikes in sales for specific products but ran into supply issues during the pandemic. He explained how the shortage really became apparent by Q4 2020 but that suppliers have “jumped into action” to meet the increased demand. He also said that the situation should improve in Q2 2021 or by the second half of the year. Those looking for their favorite tech may have to wait a bit longer, however.
Because of component shortages and lockdowns amid the pandemic, Acer’s gaming product sales in the Asia Pacific in 2020 were weaker than in previous years. Acer’s gaming notebook sales increased only 34% on year in 2020, but sales of ultra-thin notebooks grew 55% and Chromebooks 389%
In the first quarter of 2021, Acer’s ultra-thin notebook sales in the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, India, and Indonesia doubled on year, while Chromebook sales in Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the Philippines were up more than 200% and gaming notebook sales in the Philippines and Vietnam also picked up over 200% on the year. . .