Consumer Tech market growth estimate resets in 2026

Global consumer technology sales are projected to flatten in 2026 with a -0.4% year-over-year growth rate following a robust 2025 that reached $1.3 trillion in sales. While regions like Europe and the Middle East & Africa are expected to lead growth, a significant cooling in the Chinese market will temper worldwide performance. For the consumer electronics sector, success will depend on replacement cycles for pandemic-era devices and major sporting events driving premium upgrades.

According to data from NIQ and the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the global consumer tech market is entering a period of sharp contrasts after a 3% growth spurt in 2025. Total global spending is expected to hover around $1.3 trillion, but the 2026 outlook is weighed down by market saturation and high baselines in China, where previous trade-in policies pulled demand forward. Ines Haaga, Director of Global Strategic Insights at NIQ, notes that while Europe and the MEA region are accelerating as consumers trade up for premium and connected living, China’s market is cooling significantly.

Within the consumer electronics segment, televisions are poised for a notable lift in 2026. This growth is attributed to the first wave of pandemic-era purchases reaching replacement age and the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which historically spurs upgrades. Technological innovations like RGB Mini LED displays are expected to drive premiumization in the TV category. Additionally, the audio market remains active, particularly in headsets, where the shift toward open-ear designs continues to fuel consumer demand.

The IT and Telecom sectors face mixed results; while PC and laptop demand may be lower than in 2025, the end of Windows 10 support and the replacement of older devices will sustain some volume. In telecom, the success of Apple’s 2025 launches has set high expectations for Samsung’s January 2026 releases, with India emerging as a key growth driver for premium smartphones. However, because China represents a massive share of global telecom and IT revenue, its projected slowdown due to the fading impact of government trade-in incentives will negatively impact overall global sector figures.

Industry experts emphasize that 2026 consumers are prioritizing smarter, better-value tech over simply buying more devices. Namrata Gotarne of NIQ highlights that demand will center on products offering convenience and performance, such as AI-powered PCs and multifunctional appliances. For brands in the consumer electronics space, the challenge will be navigating regional economic shifts and potential headwinds like US tariffs, which could fuel price increases and further lengthen replacement cycles for major appliances and electronics.