Lower gap between OEM and third party cartridges in region allows OEMs to gain market share.
IDC reported that the printer consumables market in the Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) region saw a year-on-year growth of 0.1 percent in the third quarter to reach $1.7 billion (€1.2 billion); although the region declined 2.5 percent compared to the previous quarter.
The market was found to be stable or declining in mature economies such as Australia, Korea and Taiwan; but shipments in India, Indonesia and Malaysia were affected by factors such as the credit crunch, low GDP growth and seasonal factors.
21 percent of the total market value was attributed to third party brands, which generated nearly $364 million (€264 million); with compatible or aftermarket brands in emerging economies like India and China making up approximately 33 percent of the total consumable market’s value and compatibles contributing around 60 percent of the total units shipped overall.
However, OEMs have also been gaining market share in the region, as Pankaj Chawla, Research Manager for IPDS Research at IDC Asia/Pacific, explained: “During the last year OEMs, primarily Epson and HP, have launched inkjet printers with economical cartridges, offering low cost of printing. As price difference between original ink cartridge and third party solution for these printers is low, these inkjet printers have helped OEMs to increase share of originals as a part of the overall ink cartridge market.”
According to IDC, some OEMs also plan to launch MPS for SMBs to offer low cost printing; while Ricoh has launched refillable toners and HP has urged the aftermarket to respect intellectual property and not mislead or confuse consumers.