“With the shift to higher speeds and volumes, the average cartridge is getting larger with correspondingly higher yields,” commented John Shane, Director at InfoTrends/CAP Ventures. ”In turn, on a unit basis this market will see a decline in the later years of the forecast period. However, because larger, higher-yield cartridges have greater market values than smaller, lower-yield cartridges, the overall retail value of the cartridges will continue to grow.”

The monochrome laser cartridge market is expected to grow through 2008, but will begin to decline in the future as low-cost color machines are used for everyday printing in the office environment. OEMs and aftermarket suppliers are currently equal in terms of aftermarket share. Moving forward, however, they will be facing several issues such as the increase of color technology, and learning how to compete in an industry that is increasingly sourcing products from lower-cost regions.

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures’ new forecast entitled U.S. All-in-One Cartridge Market Forecast: 2003-2008 examines the all-in-one laser toner cartridge market in the United States from 2003 through 2008. It includes engine population estimates and also specifies OEM and aftermarket cartridge demand.

“The aftermarket’s share continues to hover at about 30% in terms of units and about 25% in terms of retail value, but we believe unit consumption will peak in 2006 and then begin declining,” commented Mr. Shane. “OEM cartridges are expected to demonstrate the same peak and decline trend; however, revenue in both segments should continue to grow given the reasonably stable aftermarket penetration rates that we expect.”

This forecast is available immediately to clients of InfoTrends/CAP Ventures’ North American Communication Supplies Consulting Service. For more information about the report or to make a purchase, visit our online store or contact Alison Hipp at , ext. 126 or .