Printer sales to soar after tough 2011: IDC

2012 could be a good year for printer vendors in ANZ, as consumers and businesses look to upgrade after holding back last year due to natural disasters and the grim global economic outlook.

That’s according to market analysts IDC, who say printer sales reached 2.6 million units in 2011, roughly the same level as experienced in 2010.

Fuji Xerox continued to challenge the market incumbents with aggressive pricing, increasing its market share from 3% to 5%. HP claimed top spot with 36%, followed by Canon on 20%, Brother on 18% and Epson on 11%.

IDC market analyst Cheryl Looi says a slight increase in commercial and government spending compensated for weak demand from consumers in 2011.

"We expect multifunction inkjet printers and colour lasers to drive printer sales in 2012,” Looi says.

"Aggressive price competition and more product refreshes will definitely continue as print vendors attempt to increase market share, ultimately benefiting end users.”