IDC Says Western European Hardcopy Market has Sluggish Start in 2013

According to research commissioned by International Data Corporation (IDC), consumer markets continue to decline while business markets show signs of recovery. The overall hardcopy market slipped by 14.5%, in the first quarter of 2013, to just over 5.0 million units. This compares to 5.8 million units in 1Q2012. Hardcopy market value also showed a decline of 9.5% to $2.6 billion in 3Q2011 down from $2.9 billion in 2Q2011.

Arnaud Gagneux, Director of IDC’s Western European Imaging Hardware Devices and Document Solutions group, commented on these numbers, “The latest first quarter shipments reflect the lack of improvement in the economic fortunes in Europe. Businesses are focused on driving down the costs of their operations and improving efficiencies thanks to managed print services (MPS) and effective document solutions. Some product categories are nonetheless proving attractive to businesses such as A3 inkjet MFPs.”

Phil Sargeant, Program Director of IDC’s Western European Imaging Hardware Devices and Document Solutions group, said, “Overall markets are generally weak, with consumer markets particularly hard hit. Consumer confidence is low, unemployment is high, economies are fragile and suppliers are battling with other consumer IT vendors for market share of consumer spending.”

Some manufacturers performed better than others during the given periods. HP captured 35.9% of all shipments and maintains overall leadership of the market. Canon took the No. 2 position with an increase in sales, boosting it up to 18.0% as its inkjet and laser divisions both had good quarters. Brother also showed year on year increases for its major technology areas and seized 3rd position with a12.6% share, while. Epson followed with 12.1% and Samsung ranked 5th with 8.7%.