Fewer laptop shiments due to euro crisis and ash cloud

DigiTimes heard Taiwanese laptop makers are seeing their clients reduce order volumes for late May and June due to the bond crisis in Europe. The value of the euro has dropped significantly since investors started panicking about Greece a couple of months ago, and some brand vendors are delaying their shipments as air transport costs are currently quite high due to air traffic suspensions caused by ash from Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull volcano. However, the report also mentions that current market demand remains stable, and that the order declines may be a response for raising component quotes.

Quanta Computer confirmed the news and said that some of its clients have downward adjusted their order volumes, but the company will maintain its shipment goal for the second quarter at 15-20%, and will keep open communication with its clients.

Wistron will also maintain its shipment forecast of 5-10% growth sequentially for the second quarter; however, the actual growth is estimated to be around the bottom margin, the sources noted.

On the other hand, Compal Electronics said it has not heard of any reduced orders and that it expects its notebook shipments in the second quarter to remain flat on quarter.