IDC reports: Australian printer market slows in Q403, but a rebound is expected
Announcement posted by IDC 07 Apr 2004
IDC has released figures on the Australian printer market for the fourth quarter of 2003. The total printer market showed a 12% decline in unit shipments quarter on quarter, shipping 390,000 units in Q403. This includes inkjet single function printers, inkjet Multifunction Printers (MFPs), laser and Serial Dot Matrix (SDM) printers.
The mono laser printer market reached 43,000 units in Q4, a decline of 11% over Q303, while the colour laser printer market remained stable with around 7000 units in each quarter. SDMs continue to remain in this market, but continue to suffer at the hands of other printer technologies, showing a 19% drop in units to 2400 for the quarter. The only market which saw growth during Q403 was inkjet MFPs, albeit only 1%. Inkjet MFPs grew to 140,000 units, but the demand for these machines really attributed to the 20% decline in the single function market to 198,000 units.
Seasonality was the main reason behind the overall drop in demand. Q4 is generally the quietest quarter of the year the deals and volumes associated with high end and workgroup machines simply arent there in Q4. There is however, usually a steady demand from consumers said IDC Market Analyst Brad Hill.
"Although the inkjet MFP market growth slowed substantially in Q4, it will pick up again throughout 2004 as vendors offer more solution based offerings to consumers and small businesses, generating even more demand for these products commented Mr Hill.
IDC predicts the total printer market will decline by 13% to around 970,000 units over 2004 as inkjet and laser MFPs continue to have a significant impact on their single function counterparts over the period. Inkjet MFPs will become dominant in the inkjet market over 2004/05 with more than 50% share, while colour is expected to hit 15% share in the decreasing single function laser market.
About IDC
IDC is the foremost global market intelligence and advisory firm helping clients gain insight into technology and telecommunications trends to develop sound business strategies. Using a combination of rigorous primary research, in-depth analysis, and client interaction, IDC forecasts local and worldwide markets and trends to deliver dependable service and client advice. More than 700 analysts in 43 countries provide global research with local content. IDC's customers comprise the world's leading IT suppliers, IT organisations, eBusiness companies and the financial community. Additional information can be found at www.idc.com.au
The mono laser printer market reached 43,000 units in Q4, a decline of 11% over Q303, while the colour laser printer market remained stable with around 7000 units in each quarter. SDMs continue to remain in this market, but continue to suffer at the hands of other printer technologies, showing a 19% drop in units to 2400 for the quarter. The only market which saw growth during Q403 was inkjet MFPs, albeit only 1%. Inkjet MFPs grew to 140,000 units, but the demand for these machines really attributed to the 20% decline in the single function market to 198,000 units.
Seasonality was the main reason behind the overall drop in demand. Q4 is generally the quietest quarter of the year the deals and volumes associated with high end and workgroup machines simply arent there in Q4. There is however, usually a steady demand from consumers said IDC Market Analyst Brad Hill.
"Although the inkjet MFP market growth slowed substantially in Q4, it will pick up again throughout 2004 as vendors offer more solution based offerings to consumers and small businesses, generating even more demand for these products commented Mr Hill.
IDC predicts the total printer market will decline by 13% to around 970,000 units over 2004 as inkjet and laser MFPs continue to have a significant impact on their single function counterparts over the period. Inkjet MFPs will become dominant in the inkjet market over 2004/05 with more than 50% share, while colour is expected to hit 15% share in the decreasing single function laser market.
About IDC
IDC is the foremost global market intelligence and advisory firm helping clients gain insight into technology and telecommunications trends to develop sound business strategies. Using a combination of rigorous primary research, in-depth analysis, and client interaction, IDC forecasts local and worldwide markets and trends to deliver dependable service and client advice. More than 700 analysts in 43 countries provide global research with local content. IDC's customers comprise the world's leading IT suppliers, IT organisations, eBusiness companies and the financial community. Additional information can be found at www.idc.com.au