Western European hardcopy markets rose 4.3% during the second quarter of 2013 to over 4.69 million units compared to the same period last year, according to a new report.
IDC’s latest report revealed that laser shipments rose 11.6%, while inkjet shipments remained flat during the quarter.
The report showed competition in several segments led to a 3.3% drop in the dollar value market for hardware during Q2 over 2012.
Arnaud Gagneux, group director at IDC Western European’s imaging hardware devices and document solutions group, said that mobility, security and the explosion of digital content is driving the need for modern devices that control, monitor and enable users to print at their convenience while ensuring that businesses comply with the latest regulations.
"Businesses are therefore resuming their investment in more efficient and productive imaging hardware," Gagneux said.
"This is illustrated by the growth of laser devices and business inkjets. While household printing needs are limited, businesses are streamlining their fleets, optimising their processes and leveraging the latest technologies to enable their management to focus on core business priorities."
Germany topped the list with highest unit growth, followed by France and the UK.
Phil Sargeant, group programme director of imaging hardware devices and document solutions, said that there have been signs in recent quarters that showed market declines were slowing.
"More countries that displayed growth than declines but it remains to be seen if this momentum can continue for the rest of the year," Sargeant said.
"Strong laser shipments indicate higher investment and spending by the commercial markets, but consumer markets still show some weaknesses."
