GLOBAL laptop sales declined by 14 percent in the first quarter, amid surging demand for smart phones and tablets, a leading logistics company announced yesterday.

Smart phones and tablets contributed to a 60 percent increase in electronic products transported around the world this year, said Rob Siegers, global technology president with DHL.

Meanwhile, sales also increased for mobile phones costing less than US$100.

Buyers are mainly in the South America, Asia and Africa, said Siegers.

"More than any other industry, the technology sector is driven by constant innovation, short product cycles and new sales channels," said Ken Allen, CEO of DHL Express.

From a logistics perspective, this is a great challenge,"

"To keep up with the rapid changes within this dynamic industry, we are working closely with customers and partners to develop new solutions," Allen added.