Global large format printer shipments reached 78,000 during the fourth quarter of 2012 (4Q12), a 3.5% drop over same quarter in 2011, while a rise of 5,000 units over the third quarter of 2012 (3Q12), according to a new report.
Gartner’s Worldwide Quarterly Large Format Printer Tracker revealed that mature and emerging markets reported 3.7% and 3.2% declines in large printer shipments during the quarter, while for the entire 2012, the global market declined 3.5%.
IDC Worldwide Quarterly Large Format Printer Tracker programme manager Phuong Hang said while shipments slowed in 2012, in the fourth quarter the trend improved from the prior two quarters.
"The technical market was stable in 2012, and showed signs of growth in the fourth quarter. The graphics market, however, is still being impacted by the lack of growth in the global economy," Hang said.
During the quarter, technical printer shipments rose 1%, while shipments in graphics applications dropped 8.6%.
The report revealed that most of the markets reported declines in 4Q12 compared to a year ago, while a few markets reported positive results.
HP topped the list of large format printer shipments with 40.2% market share, followed by Epson, while Canon reported 11.4% rise in 4Q12 shipments and acquired 17.7% market share.
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