Client CPU Shipments Soared: Why Now?

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Due to tariff uncertainty in the second quarter, client CPU shipments experienced a notable increase of about 7.9% from Q1 to Q2 this year.

Client CPU Shipments Increased from Nearly 62 Million to Over 67 Million in the Previous Quarter; Server CPU Shipments Also Saw a Decent Jump With Around 22% Growth YoY

In April, when the Trump administration announced a baseline 10% tariff on nearly all imports, hardware and consumer electronics manufacturers were caught off guard. They rushed to import products before the pause ended for about three months. Fortunately, semiconductors, PCs, smartphones, and chips (irrespective of origin) were exempted from tariffs.

The Tariffs Boosted Overall PC Market Growth

In a unique start to his ruling against President Donald Trump’s administration on September 30, U.S. District Court Judge William Young included a scanned handwritten note sent to his office. The note read: “Trump has pardons and tanks – what do you have?” At the top of Young’s opinion in AAUP v. Rubio, which ruled that Trump’s effort to deport foreign-born student protesters was unconstitutional.

October 8, 2025

The uncertainty created by these tariffs still led to growth in the overall PC market, contributing to a 7.9% increase in client CPU shipments during Q2 of 2025. Usually, first and second quarters are flat for growth, but this increase likely reflects the impact of tariff-related uncertainties.

– **Jon Peddie, President of JPR**

For the server segment, CPU shipments rose by 0.6% quarter over quarter and 22% year over year. Intel maintains a dominant share at 73%, while AMD increased its market share to 27% from 20%.

Trump’s New Tariffs Could Affect Future Shipments

The new 100% tariffs on chips could pose challenges for both Intel and AMD, as TSMC in Taiwan remains exempt. Unless AMD establishes its own fabs in the U.S., it risks attracting heavy tariffs, increasing prices and affecting market position.

News Source: [Jon Peddie](https://www.jonpeddie.com/news/second-quarter-client-cpu-shipments-increased-8-from-last-quarter-up-13-from-last-year/)