IDC study reveals 29% drop in printer market in 2016

 

The Brazilian market for printers fell again in 2016 and closed the year with 29% less equipment sold compared to 2015, when it had already dropped 22.8%, according to a study by IDC Brasil, leader in market intelligence, consulting services and conferences with the Information Technology and Telecommunications industries. Throughout last year, 1.8 million pieces of equipment were sold, including 1.4 million inkjet models (less 27%) and 400,000 laser models (less 36.3%). In terms of revenue, total sales for 2016 generated US$ 522 million, a decline of 23% compared to 2015, with US$ 323 million for the laser segment and US$ for inkjet.
 
“As the Brazilian market for printers is already mature, the largest purchase volume is no longer for basic installation, but for renovation. In 2016, with the political and economic crisis, the final consumer and mainly companies, reduced investments and did not change equipment. This scenario should be a little different this year, with a recovery, albeit timid, in the second half”, says Sergio Teixeira, market analyst at IDC Brasil.
 
Still according to the IDC study, there is a change in Brazilian behavior in relation to the purchase of a printer, which has led many manufacturers to invest in improving power and increasing printing capacity. “Ink tank printers have been an option for those looking for equipment that uses more durable supplies at more affordable prices. Even the lowest-volume laser printers (with a print capacity of up to 29 pages per minute) have become alternatives for the end consumer and small businesses.”
 
Projections for 2017
 
For 2017, IDC Brazil foresees greater adherence of smart multifunctionals, which are more suitable for the corporate market, which requires data capture and transfer solutions to improve productivity and reduce costs. “Brazilians are more demanding and looking for solutions that result not only in savings. Therefore, intelligent models must stand out”, concludes the IDC analyst.
 
Another highlight for 2017 will be the acceleration in the adoption of ink tank equipment. “Although the investment is a little higher for the final consumer, who has been paying less for the equipment, the convenience is greater. Some models with this configuration can print from 5 to 8 thousand pages”, he adds.
 
Throughout 2017, according to IDC Brasil, 1.5 million pieces of equipment should be sold, 17% less than in 2016. Of this total, 1.1 million will be inkjet and 400 thousand laser equipment, with 18% and 15% drops.