IDC: Worldwide Hardcopy Peripherals Market Grew in 4Q2013

According to International Data Corporation (IDC), the worldwide hardcopy peripherals (HCP) market continued to grow in the fourth quarter of 2013 (4Q2013). While shipments for the entire year of 2013 decreased 1.6%, the 4Q2013 saw 31.7 million units shipped, a year-over-year (YOY) increase of 2.0%. The laser segment grew 4.5% YOY in 4Q2013 and 3.6% for the entire year 2013.

The two largest market regions, Western Europe and APeJ (Asia/Pacific excluding Japan), saw YOY shipments grow 5.5% and 7.3%, respectively, in 4Q2013. In the whole year 2013, APeJ witnessed 1.5% YOY growth, while Western Europe saw a YOY decline of 0.4%.
Concerning technology, with over 19.6 million units shipped, inkjet continued to be the dominant process in the HCP market, commanding a 62% share. The total laser market saw its third consecutive quarter of YOY growth in 4Q2013.

Monochrome laser devices represent 82.3% of the laser market with 8.9 million units shipped in 4Q2013. This sector experienced 5.8% YOY growth in 4Q2013 and 3.3% growth for the entire year 2013. Color laser shipments increased YOY to more than 1.9 million units in 4Q2013, up by 9.4%, which led to a 17.7% share of the laser market in that quarter.

HP, with a 39.8% market share and more than 12.6 million units shipped in 4Q2013, retained its leading position in the HCP market. Canon ranked second in this period with shipments of more than 6.5 million units and 20.6% share. Epson, with a 15.4% market share, remains in third place, followed by Brother with 7.5% share. Samsung captured fifth position with 4.1% market share and more than 1.3 million units shipped in 4Q2013.

Phuong Hang, IDC’s Program Director, Worldwide Hardcopy Peripheral Trackers, said, “2013 Was a relatively good year for major hardcopy peripheral vendors as most reported a return to some level of growth. IDC anticipates that the recovery will continue at a slow and steady pace in 2014. Effective sales execution will come from having a comprehensive product portfolio, of course, but more important is being well versed in the language of the customer.”