The printer market - France

Since 2020, the global printing market has experienced various trends and shifts. With a value of $42.35 billion in 2020, the market is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 4.55%, reaching $54.83 billion by 2026, as per GlobeNewswire's report. This growth is driven by the dynamism of emerging markets, particularly in China, India, and Southeast Asia. Despite a worldwide decrease in printer sales, including a notable 28% decline in France in 2020 followed by a 14% recovery in 2021, the 3D printing sector remains promising, with its penetration rate nearly doubling from 7% to approximately 15% between 2016 and 2019. This is attributed to its decreasing costs and increasing accessibility, although the French market has encountered significant delivery difficulties, prolonging lead times by an average of seven weeks. Notable companies like HP, Canon, and Epson are key players in traditional printing, with HP achieving a $56.6 billion turnover in 2020, while companies such as Stratasys lead the 3D printing segment with turnovers like $520.8 million in 2020. The 3D printing sector, backed by giants like Google and Michelin, continues to thrive despite global economic challenges, with France showing a trade deficit in printing machinery, prominently importing from European countries, China, and Vietnam, while exporting mostly to European countries and the United States.

Trends and Dynamics in the French Printing Market

The French printing market has been undergoing a myriad of changes over the recent years. With the international printer market firmly held by giants like Canon and HP, the industry presents formidable barriers for new entrants. Despite these challenges, the sector is pivoting towards integrating turnkey services that blend printing needs seamlessly into IT infrastructures. The French market, however, seems to have lost some momentum, with a significant drop in sales beyond 2019, although a recovery was observed in 2021 with sales increasing by approximately 14%.

One of the pivotal trends shaping the market is the emergence and growth of 3D printing. Often associated with additive manufacturing, this segment covers the sale of not just the 3D printing machines but also printed products. The adaptability of 3D printers for the use of various materials like plastic, wax, metal, or plaster—and their ability to print objects up to a size of around 30 x 30 x 30 cm—is revolutionizing the market. It is projected that the 3D printer segment will witness an explosion of growth, from about 200,000 units sold in 2016 to a staggering 3 million units by 2018.

In a broader perspective, the global printing market, which includes France, is expected to grow from a value between $40 and $45 billion in 2020 to between $50 and $55 billion by 2026. This represents a significant compound annual growth rate of around 4.5%. The French market's contribution saw a marked decline in 2020 by over 28% from the previous year, but 2021 showed signs of recovery. Sales of printing machines in France have continuously declined, hitting just over 3 million units in 2021.

A closer look at the sales breakdown shows copiers for A4 format leading in terms of units sold, while the larger format printers had less representation. However, the adoption of A4 multifunction copiers experienced a rise with increased teleworking due to the health crisis, contrasting the dip in sales of large format printers. The increasing penetration rate of 3D printers is notable — from 7% in 2016 to almost 15% in 2019. Lower costs and greater competitiveness have made them particularly attractive for companies prioritizing product development acceleration, customization, increased production flexibility, and reducing investment costs. Employment in the French printing machinery manufacturing sector witnessed a growth till 2019, aligning with the establishment of new businesses.

Key Players in the Global and 3D Printing Market Landscape

Exploring the global landscape of the printing industry reveals a plethora of distinguished market players whose contributions have significantly shaped the current status of both traditional and 3D printing technologies. These companies have not only established their presence through extensive portfolios but have also pioneered innovations that continue to drive the industry forward.

• HP (Hewlett-Packard): HP stands as a colossus in the world of traditional printing, with its ubiquitous range of inkjet and laser printers that cater to both the consumer and enterprise markets. Its reputation for reliable and high-quality printing solutions has made it a household name. Additionally, HP has made notable strides into the 3D printing space, emphasizing industrial-grade 3D printers that promise to revolutionize manufacturing processes.

• Canon: Another stalwart of the printing industry, Canon's expertise extends from capturing images to reproducing them with impeccable quality. Known for their cameras and optics, Canon's printers have gained equal acclaim, offering a breadth of products that serve everything from photo printing to high-volume office needs. Their continuous innovation in print technologies helps maintain their status as a leading player.

• Epson: Epson is synonymous with innovation, particularly in the inkjet printing domain. They have been instrumental in advancing printing technologies that are both cost-effective and eco-friendly. Beyond their popular consumer printers, Epson invests in digital imaging and printing solutions for businesses and professionals, consistently aiming to enhance user experience and sustainability. Moving into the realm of 3D printing, two companies stand out as specialists in this transformative technology:

• Stratasys: Stratasys has cemented its position as a pioneer and a leading provider of 3D printing and additive manufacturing solutions. With a history tied to the very roots of 3D printing innovation, Stratasys owns a wide array of patents and is continually pushing the boundaries of what's possible with 3D printing in terms of materials, precision, and complexity.

• Prodways: A relatively younger company that's quickly establishing its name in the 3D printing world, Prodways has shown exceptional growth. The company specializes in offering professional and industrial 3D printing solutions, focusing on delivering high-performance applications and paving the way for the future growth of additive manufacturing technologies.

These key players, with their unique propositions and continuous research and development efforts, not only contribute substantially to their respective segments but also define the trajectory of the printing industry on a global scale. Their commitment to innovation ensures that both traditional and modern printing technologies

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 13/04/2022

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Global Printer Market
• Manufacturing of printing machinery in France (NAF 28.99A)
• Sales of printing machines in France
• Distribution of printing machine sales
• Evolution of sales volume by type of printing machine
• Evolution of the penetration rate of 3D printers
• "What area related to 3D printing is your company's top priority?"
• Printing machinery manufacturing sector
• Origin of the delivery difficulties encountered
• The most used technologies in 3D printing
• Patents filed in the 3D printing sector
• Foreign trade in printing machinery (HS Code 8443)
• Major beneficiaries of French imports of printing machines
• Main importers of French printing machines