The fourth quarter of 2013 saw a year-over-year increase in the worldwide large-format printer market, with most regional markets posting growth, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Large Format Printer Tracker. Overall shipments in the large-format global market grew to 82,000 units in the final quarter of 2013, up by 4000 units compared with the third quarter.
The Worldwide Quarterly Large Format Printer Tracker analyses trends that affect demand for technical and graphics applications.
Key data
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4.1% year-over-year increase in the worldwide large-format market in the fourth quarter of 2013. |
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82,000 units were shipped, with the majority (32,801) being HP units. |
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Shipments of technical printers increased by 6.9%, reaching a total of 49,500 units shipped and representing a 60% share of the total large-format market. |
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Shipments in graphics applications were flat compared to a year ago; the segment accounted for 40% of the overall market, down 1 point from 2012. |
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Despite a strong second half for 2013, the global market finished the full year with a decline of -1.7% in terms of unit shipments. |
Additional facts
- In terms of market share and unit shipments the top large-format vendors are HP (40% market share), Canon (22.3%), Epson (20.2%), Roland (3.7%) and Ricoh (2.6%).
- Improved speeds and image quality could boost aqueous sales in the technical space.
- Latex ink-based products are seen as a growth driver in the industry with their low-power consumption and ability to print white ink.
- Positive year-over-year growth was seen by both mature and emerging markets, at 3.6% and 4.8% respectively.
- HP remains the market leader in its main area of strength, the technical market, with more than double the share of Canon. HP also held its second place position in the graphics market.
- Ricoh had the highest year-over-year growth (41.8%) of the top five vendors in the final quarter of 2013.
The IDC tracks A2-A0 devices and larger in the large-format printer market, including single-function printers as well as multifunctional systems. The tracker is available on a quarterly basis. More information is available here.
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