Over 2.15 million printers and MFPs were shipped in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) in the first half of 2015, declining more than 26 percent and amounting to less than half the market levels for 1H2008.
The shipments represent around $580 million (€519 million) in market value, compared to $1,449 million (€1,298 million) for 5.6 million devices in 2008, according to IDC research.
Market value decreased nearly 30 percent, contrasting sharply with printer shipment growth in western Europe and the US. However, IDC described the situation as “a tale of two markets”, as central Europe more closely resembled its western counterpart, with some double-digit increases.
The Czech Republic registered most significant growth in 1H2015, increasing 36 percent in volume terms, while Hungary grew 12 percent in the same period in 2014, and shipments to Poland moved up five percent. Adding to recovering economic conditions, renewed interest in inkjet MFPs helped enable growth.
Shipments to Russia dropped by almost half in volume year on year, plummeting close to 60 percent in value. The Ukraine market fell 56 percent in volume, while other CIS countries collectively contracted 30 percent.
Slowing GDP, tight economic conditions and a budget deficit have slowed the Russian market, with IDC recommending that “foreign hardware manufacturers closely monitor government activities, as well as those of local IT manufacturers”.
Ilona Stankeova, Research Director with IDC CEMA, said: “Given the severe market conditions, Kyocera’s performance is worth noting.
“In addition to enacting an aggressive pricing policy especially for Russia, Kyocera fixed prices in rubles and provided the desired stability and predictability for both channels and customers. These moves helped Kyocera to win several tenders, as well as being the only vendor in Russia to increase sales in H1 2015.”