China’s Printer Shipments Decline Amid Economic Headwinds

China’s Printer Shipments Decline Amid Economic Headwinds

China’s printing peripherals market is experiencing an overall drop in shipments as of October 2024, according to the latest IDC report. Persistent economic challenges and reduced consumer spending are key culprits behind the downturn.

For the first ten months of 2024, total shipments in the sector hit roughly 11 million units, marking a 13.6% year-on-year decline. Inkjet printers and A4 laser printers bore the brunt of this drop, with shipments sliding to 5.791 million and 5.252 million units respectively—a 13.1% dip for inkjet and 14.2% for A4 laser.

Ink Tank Models: The Silver Lining
While inkjet devices overall saw a staggering 27.2% slump in cartridge models, ink tank models proved to be a bright spot. Gaining favor with families and freelancers alike, ink tanks remained steady in shipment volume, thanks to their affordability and low maintenance. Prices for entry-level ink tank devices are also falling, with sub-$100 models making up a growing share.

The education market played a pivotal role here, as K-12 families prioritized printing solutions for their children. Back-to-school season further bolstered demand, especially for ink tanks offering a lower cost per print.

Laser Printers Struggle in Tough Conditions
From January to October, A3 laser printer shipments dropped 14.2%. Monochrome models saw the steepest decline at 15.2%, while color models eked out a modest 1.7% growth.

The economic downturn is reshaping purchasing behavior. Small and medium-sized businesses are opting for ink tanks over lasers, driven by budget constraints, while large enterprises and government agencies are tightening spending on fixed assets. Despite these challenges, the appeal of cost-effective color laser printers helped this segment maintain relative stability.

Challenges Ahead
Cheng Yana, senior analyst at IDC China, anticipates a temporary uptick in Q4 thanks to double-eleven promotions and trade-in policies. However, she warns that the commercial market is likely to remain sluggish, with the broader recovery of the printing peripherals sector still uncertain in 2025.

Suppliers, Cheng advises, should broaden their portfolios and focus on integrating AI functionalities to stand out in a competitive and contracting market.

Related:

• Digital Printing Growth Slowed by Awareness Challenges
• Global Printer Shipments Rebound After Five-Quarter Declines
• Nine More Countries to Enjoy China’s Visa-Free Policy
• Microsoft Advances Toward Driverless Printing Future
• Chinese Printing Device Export Thrives in Q3

Comment:

Please leave your comment below about the news: China’s Printer Shipments Decline Amid Economic Headwinds.