According to the latest Quarterly Hardcopy Peripherals Tracker from International Data Corporation (IDC), the Western European printer and multi-function (MFP) markets grew 7,1% year-on-year in 1Q14 – the fourth quarter of continuous growth in the region.
Shipments were 5,36-million units, which equates to growth of over 350 000 units compared with the same period in 2013. Market value also increased, to $2,66-billion, representing year-on-year growth of 1,7%. This was fuelled by strong growth in the colour laser, colour inkjet, and high-speed inkjet segments.
The market for MFPs continues to increase at the expense of the declining printer market. MFPs accounted for 78% of all shipments, with growth in inkjets and colour laser markets. The printer market was mixed, with inkjet shipments slightly higher but colour and monochrome laser markets contracting.
“A solid start to 2014 shows that the printer and MFP growth patterns are following the trends and forecasts made by IDC over recent quarters,” says Phil Sargeant, programme director of IDC’s Western European Imaging Hardware Devices and Document Solutions group.
“Commercial markets are showing strong demand for colour laser products and business inkjets continue to exhibit strong growth patterns. SMB and enterprise customers are investing in printing and document management, while consumer markets also bucked the trend with higher year-on-year sales.”
Main highlights include:
* The overall Western European hardcopy market increased year on year by 7,1% in 1Q14, with gains in both ink and laser markets.
* Total inkjet markets increased 13,4% in the first quarter of 2014 from the first quarter of 2013. Business inkjets showed the most year-on-year growth at 23,6% but consumer markets also bounced back.
* The overall laser market contracted as the decline in monochrome was greater than the increases for colour, but the overall commercial or office markets increased when business inkjets are factored in.
* Overall printers declined 5,7% but there were pockets of growth such as high-speed inkjet production and labels and packaging production.
* Overall MFP shipments increased 11,3% but monochrome laser products declined as the switch to colour intensified and business inkjets continue to be a threat.
* Serial impact dot matrix markets declined year on year by 7,9%.