How has the Indian PC market performed recently?

Arnold Su: The Indian PC market grew by about 10 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026. We also saw some purchase advancement as consumers expected price increases in coming quarters. During the same period ASUS grew 29 per cent significantly faster than the overall market

Which segments are currently driving laptop demand in India?

Arnold Su: Gaming continues to be the largest contributor. Around 25 per cent of India’s consumer PC market is gaming laptops, which means one in four consumer PCs sold today is meant for gaming. ASUS remains strong in this segment.

Beyond gaming, the content creator segment is gradually expanding though it still represents less than 5 per cent of the market. We are also seeing steady growth in the premium mainstream segment where customers are increasingly focused on experience rather than just specifications.

What is changing in the premium laptop category?

Arnold Su: Earlier premium largely meant thin and light design or higher specifications Today premium users are looking for differentiated experiences.

For example, we have continued investing in dual screen laptops like the Zenbook Duo which address multitasking needs. These are not about specification competition but about solving real productivity problems for users.

Rising RAM prices have been a concern, How is this impacting PC pricing?

Arnold Su: Price increases are unavoidable. Compared to December 2025, average PC prices rose by about 10 per cent in Q1 2026. As we enter the second quarter prices in the market are already 20-30 per cent higher.

Looking ahead prices could rise to around 40-45 per cent by the third or fourth quarter before stabilising. These costs cannot be absorbed entirely by brands, and will reflect in selling prices.

How is ASUS addressing affordability amid higher prices?

Arnold Su: Since price increases are structural, our focus is on affordability rather than price absorption We have expanded no-cost EMI programmes where ASUS bears the interest cost allowing customers to spread payments without additional financial pressure

How important is India in ASUS global business today?

Arnold Su: India has evolved into one of ASUS most important global markets Earlier it was often viewed as a price sensitive market. That perception changed after strong acceptance of premium products.

Today India is ASUS’s third largest market globally, and we treat it as a first wave launch market with new PCs and platforms launching here at the same time as global markets.

How extensive is ASUS retail presence in India?

Arnold Su: We currently operate around 325 exclusive ASUS stores and aim to reach 400 by the end of 2026. Overall we have more than 6000 retail touchpoints covering 624 districts with a strong focus on expansion beyond large metro cities into smaller towns and districts.

In India, there are more than 6,000 talukas. Our target is this year we want to enter more than 1,500 talukas. And then how can we cover by 2027, we should cover 50% of the talukas with ASUS product present in that taluka town.

Indias PC penetration remains low, How do you view this market ?

Arnold Su: Household PC penetration in India is below 15 per cent, which means most households still do not own a PC. We see this as a long-term growth opportunity

Future expansion will be driven largely by first-time buyers in tier 2 & tier 3 and smaller towns rather than just replacement demand in large cities

What are ASUS key priorities for 2026 ?

Arnold Su: Our three major focus areas for 2026 are premiumisation the creator ecosystem and trend driven designs including multicolour laptops. Gaming remains our core segment but these three areas will drive incremental growth over the medium term.