Laser printers shipments fall off in Q2 2011, but inkjets soar: IDC

The laser printer market fell short of forecasts in Q2 2011, according to analyst firm, IDC. But the rest of the printer market grew.

The overall A/NZ printer market recorded a 10 per cent year-on-year and 5 per cent sequential growth in Q2 2011. However, the number of overall shipments hit 760,000; a decrease from an expected 780,000.

IDC expects this number to drop further in the third quarter estimating an 11 per cent dip sequentially due to a seasonal slowdown in the printer market.

IDC indicated discount pricing facilitated growth across the whole A/NZ region.

“Weak business and consumer sentiment caused spending to be conservative. That's why we saw a supply-side push with aggressive channel promotions by vendors and retailers. This was necessary to encourage sell through,” IDC analyst, Cheryl Looi, said.

A drop in laser printer shipments of 2 per cent year-on-year was put down to excess stock following a strong first quarter and minor supply limitations from the Japan earthquake.

However, inkjet printers, which recorded a 15 per cent year-on-year increase, led the trend to overall market growth. According to IDC, a sub-$400 price point and smart marketing of inkjets as low-end colour laser model substitutes that offer “laser-quality” print output drove a strong uptake in inkjet printers.

Based on printer units shipped per vendor, HP maintained top spot with a 42 per cent market share. Canon held second spot (20 per cent), followed by Brother (15 per cent).

However, Brother declined 17 per cent sequentially. IDC suggested this was because Brother ended its Q1 2011 financial year with strong results, resulting in excessive stock within the channel in Q2.

Another reason for the decrease was the partial affect of the supply during the Japanese earthquake in March in addition to sluggish demand from end users.

Epson held fourth spot (10 per cent market) and Samsung rounded out the top five (3 per cent).

IDC anticipates vendors and channels will conduct a final round of aggressive promotions towards the end of the year to clear off excessive stocks.

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