PC ODMs Quanta Computer, Compal Electronics, Wistron and Inventec, have asked component makers to increase supply volumes by 40-50% larger than normal levels to meet expected peak demand for PCs in China prior to the 2012 Lunar New Year in late January, according to the makers.

The raised orders are much higher than 20-25% increases to meet Lunar New Year peak demand in past years due to worries about labor shortages in China, the sources pointed out. Labor shortages usually happen before the Lunar New Year but are particularly severe this year not only occurring in coastal areas but also in inner regions, the sources indicated.

While component supplies will increase, whether shipments of PCs will increase or not hinges on vendors' order volumes, the sources cited ODMs as indicating