Diagnostic X-ray Sector: Growth Drivers and Challenges
Growth Drivers
- Awareness and financial support from governments: With the aim to improve public access to advanced diagnosis and treatment, several governing authorities, particularly in developing countries, are conducting promotional activities and offering funds for the market. For instance, in 2024, the government of India granted a USD 1.2 billion investment for diagnostic imaging under the Ayushman Bharat program. It strengthened the radiology infrastructure and accessibility to X-ray services across the nation. Moreover, the disparity in patient access is dragging the focus of investors on procuring more radiology equipment, securing a stable capital influx for global dedicated manufacturers.
- Investments and advancements in technology: The current introduction and integration of cutting-edge technologies in the market is inducing next-generation AI-powered radiology imaging tools. These are optimizing patient care and enhancing diagnostic precision, which is inspiring organizations to invest more in product development. In this regard, in 2024, the FDA demonstrated the efficacy of AI X-ray tools, such as Qure.ai’s qXR, in cutting reporting time by 50.3% and streamlining radiology workflows. Considering such clinical benefits, the European Commission committed USD 1.6 billion to next-gen imaging systems discoveries and procurement in 2023, as per their strategy to accelerate the Horizon Europe program.
Historical Patient Growth (2010-2020) and Its Impact on Future Market Expansion
Over the past decade, from 2010 to 2020, demographic shifts, aging populations, and increasing disease detection needs have impelled the volume of the patient pool in the market. The increasing chronic disease prevalence and expanded healthcare access fueled this expansion across the key landscapes, including the U.S., Europe, and Asia-Pacific. During this tenure, developed countries, such as the U.S., Germany, and Japan, were experiencing an annual rise, ranging between 5.4% and 7.1%, in X-ray demand every year, majorly for orthopedic and cardiovascular events. On the other hand, India and China reported double-digit growth in this demography, supported by hospital infrastructure reinforcements and rising middle-class healthcare spending.
Diagnostic X-ray Patient Growth (2010-2020)
|
Country |
Patients (2010, million) |
Patients (2020, million) |
CAGR (2010-2020) |
Key Driver |
|
U.S. |
78.4 |
112.7 |
3.9% |
Aging population, orthopedic cases |
|
Germany |
32.6 |
46.0 |
3.7% |
Early cancer screening mandates |
|
France |
28.3 |
39.5 |
3.6% |
Cardiovascular diagnostics |
|
Spain |
19.8 |
28.1 |
3.8% |
Public healthcare expansion |
|
Australia |
12.5 |
18.6 |
4.3% |
Rising sports injuries |
|
Japan |
64.9 |
82.3 |
2.6% |
Geriatric imaging demand |
|
India |
49.1 |
112.8 |
8.9% |
Hospital infrastructure growth |
|
China |
89.7 |
198.5 |
8.5% |
Middle-class healthcare access |
Feasible Expansion Models Shaping the Diagnostic X-ray Market
The success of strategic commercial operations is significantly benefiting the market. It shaped a reliable roadmap of localized and cost-efficient expansion models for the sector's future augmentation, tailored to high-growth regions. For instance, in 2023, this merchandise in China secured a revenue boost of 9.2% by aligning with the modular X-ray leasing programs for tier-2 cities. Similarly, the escalation of public-private partnerships (PPPs) between suppliers and state hospitals in India drove a 12.1% revenue increase from 2022 to 2024. Furthermore, MedTech leaders in developed regions are prioritizing AI integration and utilization to expand their existing pipeline and global reach.
Feasibility Models for Market Expansion (2025-2030)
|
Region |
Model |
Revenue Impact |
|
India |
PPPs with state clinics |
+12.1% (2022-2024) |
|
China |
Leasing in tier-2 cities |
+9.2% (2023) |
|
U.S. |
AI + Medicare coverage |
+USD 1.3 billion per year (2024) |
|
Africa |
Solar-powered mobiles |
USD 320.5 million potential by 2027 |
Challenge
- Disruptions in the supply and pricing competency: Despite continuous efforts from authorized and dedicated organizations, the diagnostic X-ray market still faces disparities in critical infrastructure and financial backup across underserved and rural regions. In this regard, the WHO reported that Africa, where only 3 X-ray machines were operating for every 100,000 people till 2023, presents a potential hurdle in this sector due to a significant access gap. On the other hand, the predominant captivity of China on tungsten exports creates sole reliability for crucial components among global manufacturers, causing a raw material shortage. Subsequently, this increased the price of finished X-ray tubes by a notable 20.4%.
Diagnostic X-ray Market: Key Insights
|
Base Year |
2024 |
|
Forecast Year |
2025-2037 |
|
CAGR |
6.1% |
|
Base Year Market Size (2024) |
USD 13.1 billion |
|
Forecast Year Market Size (2037) |
USD 24.6 billion |
|
Regional Scope |
|