Beijing, March 19:

China expects to produce 98 million desktop and laptop computers in 2006, mostly for overseas markets, state media reported today.

Of the output forecast for this year, China aims to export 58 million computers, or 59 per cent of the total, the Xinhua news agency reported. However, huge Chinese exports have forced computer makers to cut their prices to remain competitive.

The average export price for a desktop last year stood at $617, down from $644 at the end of 2004, Xinhua reported.