Japan Earthquake may affect some laser toner supplies March 29, 2011 08:38 by John Sollars

The laser printer sector is beginning to see some component and toner shortages as a result of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan.  Canon and Fuji Xerox who both have manufacturing bases in the earthquake affected area could be facing shortages of toner material in the near future. Canon make all of Hewlett-Packard’s laser printer engines and toner, while Fuji Xerox makes most of Xerox’s laser printer and copier engines. Given that new systems typically ship with toner supplies, production of copiers and printers could be affected in the second quarter, even for companies with production facilities located in China rather than Japan.

Whilst the toner manufacturers tend to keep stocks of toner resin in hand due to the uncertain nature of the earthquakes aftereffects these stocks could soon be used up.  Some cartridge components could also be affected and analysts are expecting the knock on effect to last through the summer.  We will of course try to keep you updated on the current supply situation