IDC Sees Decline in LFP Sales in CEMA Region for 1H2013

According to IDC’s Quarterly Large Format Printer Tracker, the large format printer (LFP) market in Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (CEMA) showed a decrease of 10.7% in volume and 5.1% in value year on year (YoY) in the first half of 2013 (1H2013).

As was reported by IDC, LFP shipments exceeded 16,300 units valued at $15.36 million in CEMA in 1H2013. While shipments of both technical and graphic sub-segments decreased in volume, shipments of graphic printing devices increased, which came from the Middle East region (except Israel). IDC said, across the CEMA region, technical LFP shipments declined in terms of both value and volume, mainly due to a lack of public tenders, limited construction market investments, and prolonged replacement cycles.

Further, IDC expects the overall CEMA LFP market to decline by 1% in 2013 and resume its growth in 2014. Aqueous ink-type devices are expected to maintain their dominant market share of over 80% of the market’s volume in the CEMA region. Advanced, more environmentally friendly and economical ink types, such as UV-curing and eco-solvent printers, are expected to slowly increase their market share.

In the overall CEMA region, HP secured its position as the market leader with a 53.4% share. Canon ranked in second place with 15.2% market share, while Epson ranked third with 15.1%.

Research Analyst David Mühlbach noted, “The LFP market in the CEMA region is expected to be driven primarily by the Middle East, where many construction projects have already started and where demand from the advertising printing market is also strong. Central and Eastern Europe is also expected to revive in 2014, due to economic recovery and improved business sentiment. A new EU funding period will also play a supportive role. LFP sales in Africa will increase as well, due to improved political stability and the resumption of postponed projects.”