UK printer sales outperforming 2019 levels - Context

Channel analyst Context highlights 'house-bound students and workers' as growth drivers

European printer revenue has enjoyed a healthy spike in 2021 due to previous supply issues coming through, according to figures from market analyst Context.

After declining at the end of 2020, revenue began trending up in both consumer and business markets, with Context's data showing further acceleration.

The market watcher says this was due to more products being shipped by manufacturers in Q4 2020, allowing the channel to fulfil a backlog of orders, especially in February.

Despite office closures, Context found that the business segment performed relatively well, with more entry level printers hitting the market across all categories, compensating for a shortage in consumer inkjets at the same price.

"In February, sales of inkjet MFPs hit a peak of 41 per cent year on year unit growth and 49 per cent year on year revenue growth, but supply shortages continue to impact the overall European printer market," said Context head of business analysts, Antonio Talia.

"A shortage of inkjet printers and related supplies has spurred a behavioural shift to ink tank and laser printers in the same price region, and an increase in prices for SFP categories. We'll continue to monitor the situation and the impact of increased business demand as lockdowns receded."

The analyst also found all five of Europe's biggest markets - UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain - plus Poland, have performed better than in 2019.

However, it claims Poland and Italy are trending down due to a lack of new demand after an "exceptional" 2020 and early 2021 performance.