E-tailers and Festive Sales Boosts Inkjet Printer Market in India Crosses 1 Million Mark Again

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India HCP market posted quarterly shipments of approx. 1.1 million units in Q3 2018, a quarter-on-quarter growth of 25.6%, as per latest IDC Asia Pacific Quarterly Hardcopy Peripherals Tracker, CY2018Q3. While there was a year-on-year decline of 1.7%, it can be primarily attributed to the strong demand for laser printers post GST implementation last year. 

Inkjet printer shipments grew by 5.5% Year-On-Year with a contribution of 55.3% to overall India HCP market, the highest ever recorded. Growth in inkjet printer shipments was led by Ink tank printers which recorded Year-On-Year growth of 12.9%. While the overall laser printer market declined Year-On-Year, due to the government’s efforts on enforcing restrictions on the refurbished copier market, the laser copier market registered a healthy Year-On-Year growth of 37.5%. 

“Shipments in 2018Q3 were driven primarily by the online channel segment in preparation for the sales events in the run up to the Diwali Festival. Unlike the previous years, 2018 was marked by the increased focus of e-commerce players on the Printer category. Having realized the success of mobile phone, accessories and the various white goods categories in previous such online events, both HCP and ecommerce players were fairly confident of replicating it with Printer category as well this year.” says Bani Johri , Market Analyst, IPDS, IDC India. 

Government’s strict regulation on the Refurbished Copier market through tight monitoring and increased seizing of illegal units at major ports gave an impetus to the original Copier market. The refurbished market has always been an eyesore for original copier vendors and with its partial closure, they are getting ample opportunities to expand their customer base by targeting the users of these machines with attractive pricing schemes.

Top 3 Brand Highlights: 

HP Inc. (Excluding Samsung) maintained its leadership in HCP with a market share of 39.4% and a 22.7% quarter on quarter growth. It increased its promotional activities by launching schemes for retailers centred around product display and visibility. In the inkjet segment HP retained its 2nd position with a share of 32.5%. On the Copier side, HP shipments grew by 25% quarter over quarter due to demand from the corporate and Government segment. 

Epson remained at 2nd position in the overall HCP market by clocking 20.7% quarter on quarter growth and it also continued to hold its leadership in inkjet segment with a unit share of 40.2% and a 21.8% quarter on quarter growth. The growth is primarily attributed to Epson’s increased shipment to the online channel and LFR stores. The sales of a few top selling models picked up amidst the upcoming product portfolio refresh. 

Canon recorded year on year growth of 24.5% and maintained its 3rd position in the HCP market with the help of its Inkjet and the Laser Copier segment. In the copier segment it maintained its leadership position with 28.4% unit market share. The Government’s stricter regulations on the RC market coupled with Canon’s increased focus on corporate segment helped to maintain its dominance in copier market. In the Inkjet market, Canon saw a strong year on year growth of 55.2% because of addition of new channel partners and change in channel strategy, which included attractive channel distribution and schemes, as well as strong push for online sales. Canon especially focussed on its Ink tank models through channel schemes. 

IDC India Market Outlook

“Post festive season, market is expected to continue the year on year growth momentum in 2018Q4 owing to strong consumer and SMB demand. Ink tank printers will continue gaining traction and compensate for decline in shipments of laser printers. Government’s continuous efforts on crackdown of reconditioned copier market should also translate into strong demand for original laser copiers,” says Nishant Bansal, research manager, IPDS & PC, IDC India. 

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