The total printer market in India fell 8.9 per cent to 690,344 units in the first quarter of 2013, compared with the same period a year ago, even as HP maintained its leadership position.

The total end-user spending remained almost flat at $237.5 million from the same period last year. Both the monochrome and colour printer markets posted a decline of 2.9 per cent and 11.2 per cent, respectively, according to a study by research and analyst firm Gartner.

“Vendors are targeting the small and mid-size businesses (SMB) and Small Office Home Office (SOHO) markets in India with increased focus on the cost and quality needs of office users,” said Zalak Shah, research analyst at Gartner.

“Key market players are trying to stimulate demand with new offerings and working closely with channel partners for market expansion,” he added.

HP remained the market leader in the Indian printer; copier and MFP market as its market share totalled 52 per cent, followed by Canon with 20 per cent share. Epson accounted for 9 per cent, while Samsung Electronics accounted for 8 per cent of the market in the first quarter of 2013.

rajesh.kurup@thehindu.co.in