But the 2Q09 figures from IDC show signs of improvement amongst the gloom.
Handset makers shipped 42 million units in Western European markets during 2Q09 according to the IDC European Mobile Phone Tracker, down six per cent year-on-year.
IDC says the second quarter results are an improvement on the 14 per cent decrease in 1Q09.
Howeverr, the research firm stresses that the recession will continue to impact handset sales in the region, with the market shrinking 10 per cent in FY09.
Interestingly, shipments of what IDC describes as 'traditional' mobile phones declined 12 per cent during 2Q09 to 33.2 million units, while smartphone shipments rose 25 per cent to 8.8 million units.
Francisco Jeronimo, European mobile devices research manager at IDC, said: "The first six months of the year were very challenging to both vendors and operators in Western Europe. The market was hit hard by the financial crisis, and demand mobile for phones slumped as never experienced before.
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"Since 2Q08 the market has been suffering from negative growth, with the bottom line being hit in 1Q09. Despite the slight improvement in the second quarter of 2009, we will continue to see negative growth throughout the coming quarters, with full market recovery being seen only in 2011."
