The global hardcopy peripherals (HCP) market saw a mixed spending trend in Q1-2025. While shipments of HCP grew 2.7 percent year-over-year (YoY) to 19.4 million, total spending declined by 3.2 percent to $9 billion.
This suggests a shift in purchasing behavior toward more cost-effective or lower-priced devices. Hardcopy Peripherals include single-function printers, multifunctional systems (MFPs), and single-function digital copiers (SF DC), IDC said in its report.
Western Europe recorded 10.1 percent increase in spending, driven by the growing demand for ink tank multifunction printers (MFPs). These models are gaining popularity due to their sustainability and long-term cost benefits, despite their higher upfront cost. Consumers and businesses are increasingly opting for refillable ink systems to reduce waste and ongoing ink expenses.
In contrast, spending trends in the United States and China declined by 3.9 percent and 8.9 percent, respectively. These markets showed slower adoption of ink tank systems, with users still favoring traditional laser and cartridge-based printers due to established usage patterns and slower channel transitions.
The continued rise of ink tank devices — now recording four straight quarters of global growth —indicates a broader trend toward cost-efficient and eco-friendly printing solutions. All top five vendors posted shipment gains, reflecting growing consumer interest in models that lower total cost of ownership even if initial purchase prices are higher. Vendors are responding by actively promoting the long-term value proposition of these systems to influence purchase decisions.
Printer vendors
Top Vendors and Market Share Trends:
HP Inc. remained the market leader with 6.66 million units shipped, up from 6.57 million in Q1 2024. However, its market share slightly declined from 34.9 percent to 34.4 percent.
Epson secured second place with shipments rising to 4.20 million units from 4.11 million a year earlier. Its market share dipped marginally from 21.8 percent to 21.7 percent.
Canon Group saw notable growth, with shipments increasing to 3.88 million units from 3.59 million. Its market share rose from 19.1 percent to 20.1 percent.
Brother grew slightly to 1.82 million units from 1.76 million, keeping a relatively stable market share of 9.4 percent (up from 9.3 percent).
Pantum showed solid growth, increasing shipments from 0.53 million to 0.61 million, raising its market share from 2.8 percent to 3.1 percent.
Others category shrank in relative share, falling from 12.0 percent to 11.3 percent, with a decrease in shipments from 2.27 million to 2.18 million.
InfotechLead.com News Desk
