IDC: Western European Hardcopy Markets Boost in 4Q13

According to research group International Data Corporation (IDC), owing to the increase of printer and MFP shipments, hardcopy markets in Western European have registered pleasing year-on-year results in 4Q13.

IDC’s research revealed that the market increased to 6.94 million units, up by 5.5% year on year, seeing an increase of about 360,000 units compared with the same period in 2012. Growth could be seen in both laser and inkjet markets. “Laser markets remained flat for the quarter while inkjets showed growth in the traditionally strong quarter as both consumer and business markets increased,’’ said IDC.

Phil Sargeant, Program Director of IDC’s Western European Imaging Hardware Devices and Document Solutions group, commented, “These positive results for the quarter show that many companies are continuing to invest in their printing and imaging requirements as confidence in the overall economy improves. There are pockets of opportunities for many manufacturers and channel partners, and 2014 is most likely to see the overall market increase. Growth is likely to be steady rather than spectacular.”