After an increase in global sales of Consumer Tech products in 2025 compared to 2024, the worldwide picture will flatten in 2026 according to NielsenIQ (NIQ). However, significant differences in regional and sector performance are expected. At the sector level, consumers’ overall spending compared with 2025 will continue to grow on small domestic appliances and IT products but fall slightly on consumer electronics and smartphones.

After an uncertain start, 2025 turned into a year of global growth for the Consumer Tech market (3% increase compared to 2024 and roughly $1.3 trillion USD in global spending, according to NIQ’s estimates). China and the Middle East & Africa (MEA) led for sales value growth, while North America (a key global market) held steady.

For 2026, the key elements to consider include consumers continuing to focus on value for money, market saturation, and the effect of high 2025 baselines in key regions.

NIQ’s Consumer Tech market estimate for 2026 shows global sales (measured in US dollars) holding steady, with the full-year performance hitting around -0.4% vs. 2025. “Global growth in 2026 is a story of contrasts – comments Ines Haaga, Director, Global Strategic Insights, NIQ –. Europe and MEA are accelerating as consumers trade up for premium and connected living, but always with value for money in mind. China, on the other hand, is cooling, after its trade-in policy-fueled surge. Success will come to brands that pivot fast: aligning pricing, innovation, and experience to regions where demand is rising and budgets matter”.

According to NIQ, due to the long replacement cycles of MDA products, many shoppers in 2026 will be those replacing broken or worn-out appliances, rather than those upgrading still-working appliances.

“Globally – NIQ explains – volume growth will be limited due to high baselines. However, an uptick in housing development and household income in Eastern Europe will boost the built-in appliance market, driving some premiumization. China, however, faces a tough year after 2024-2025 trade-in policies pulled demand forward and created a high baseline – meaning 2026 will see a normalization of premium and offline sales”.

As highlighted by NIQ, consumers are ready to spend on SDA products that offer more convenience, more performance, or more versatility, even at higher prices. Multifunctionality and space efficiency remain big draws. But, as in other sectors, China’s 2025 trade-in policies create a difficult 2026 comparison, which will weigh down both domestic and global SDA figures.

“In 2026 – says Namrata Gotarne, Director, Global Strategic Insights, NIQ – consumers aren’t chasing more tech; they’re chasing smarter, better-value tech. From AI-powered PCs and Mini LED TVs to multifunctional appliances that save space and energy, demand will center on products that deliver convenience, performance, and sustainability – but at a price that feels right. Brands that turn innovation into everyday value will win the upgrade race”.