The overall Middle East hardcopy peripherals (HCP) market expanded 9.4 per cent in volume and almost 7 per cent in value during the second quarter (Q2) of the year, according to figures released today (August 24) by International Data Corporation (IDC).

The Middle East market overcame a conspicuous downturn in Turkey to post the strong year-on-year growth in the second quarter, the research and advisory firm's latest Quarterly Hardcopy Peripherals Tracker said.

Hardcopy peripherals include single-function printers, MFPs, and single-function digital copiers for both office-based and production segments.

"The colour laser market continues to register the region's most impressive volume and value growth rates, but we are also seeing strong shipment growth across most speed segments of the mono laser market," said Ashwin Venkatchari, senior program manager for imaging, printing, and document solutions at IDC Middle East, Turkey, and Africa.

"The focus of vendors on pushing entry-level mono laser devices into the region has had a significant impact on shipment growth in most of the major Middle East markets. And despite the volatile political climate seen in certain parts of the region, the ongoing reliance on hardcopy documents by businesses is continuing to drive considerable demand for HCP devices."

Inkjet shipments across the Middle East declined 2 per cent year on year in Q2 2014 to total 315,000 units. However, the inkjet market's value increased 15 per cent over the same period to cross the $34 million mark, courtesy of a strong performance in the $400+ category as new high-speed inkjet models designed for businesses gained traction in the region.

Mono laser shipments were up 11.8 per cent over the same period to total more than 457,000 units, while the market's value increased 11.2 per cent to reach $196 million. This strong growth was present across almost all segments of the mono laser market.

Colour laser shipments surged an incredible 47.3 per cent to reach more than 112,000 units. However, the market's value decreased 1.9 per cent to $99 million as increasing competition continued to drive prices down across all segments, the IDC report said.

Serial dot matrix shipments experienced relatively flat year-on-year shipment growth of 1.7 per cent in Q2 2014, while the market's value slumped 11.8 per cent to $12.4 million during the same period. The downward pressure on prices remains strong as end users continue to transition to newer, more efficient technologies, the report indicated. – TradeArabia News Service