Toners Mixed Markets
South East Asia is experiencing an interesting mixture of cartridge products. The Phlippines, for example, are seeing a stronger penetraion of new-build cartridge entering the country as bad feelings toward the Chinese (over territorial issues) dissipates. Local labor rates are lower than those in China so they should be able to remanufacture products very competitively.
On the other hand, more developed markets like Janpan and Korea have very little penetration of new-builds due to the market demand for a high-quality product.There is also the reluctance to import Chinese products into what is essentially the home turf of the OEM|(HP/Canon in Janpan,Samsung in Korea).
Remanufactured cartridges are the only Aftermarket products permitted by Taiwanese government contracts.New-builds are blocked entirely. So, despite new-builds penetrating the SME market, remans still hold value.It should be noted, remanufacturers are replying more on locally made components where cost saving have been made over the last years.
Markets in Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam are saturated with the lowest-priced,cheapest-quality new-builds.Price is the all important factor in these markets where the difference of a few dollars can be a whole day's wages. Interestingly though,as the economy in Vietnam takes a positive turn, there is starting to be a small shift in thinking about these low-quality products and the demand for a higher-quality product is being felt, although it's too early to say if this will be sustained.
While there is still demand for both components and new-build finished products, the recent cessation of drum production by Greenrich Taiwan and HanP Korea, and pulverized toner by Mitsubishi reveals the market is still very tough for all levels of the supply chain.
This is an exciting period for Static Control. We can continue to provide customers with quality components, toners and chips, as well as quality, finished cartridges in those markets that need them to succeed. We has reaffirmed our stance to continue to support remanufacturers around the globe. We will continue to deliver first-to-market solutions that offer both uncompromising quality and unique opportunities.