Supply Chain Research

U.S. printer imports fell 1% in November, the 15th drop in 16 months. Imports from China and Hong Kong fell 5% in dollar terms, yet shipments climbed 10% followed by a further 20% in December. This may suggest some anticipation of tariffs from the incoming administration, as well as the early lunar new year. Imports by HP lagged in the fourth quarter after its purchase of Samsung’s operations, with a 67% drop in imports. It appears to have lost market share to Epson and Canon. HP also experienced a drop in ink and toner imports of 34%, the second quarterly drop after 10 straight quarters...