Europe Digital X-Ray Market Size

Europe Digital X-Ray Market Analysis

The Europe Digital X-Ray Market size is estimated at USD 3.85 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 5.59 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 7.68% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

The COVID-19 pandemic turned the spotlight on diagnostic imaging, particularly on Europe's digital X-ray devices. Digital imaging plays a key role in diagnosing COVID-19 in Europe and indicates the affected lung tissue in infected patients. Several key market players in Europe have focused on innovations in the production of radiography equipment. For instance, in November 2020, Agfa HealthCare launched its SmartXR for X-ray Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Digital Radiography portfolio to aid the radiology routine, which has proven important during the COVID-19 crisis. The efficacy of digital X-ray systems in diagnosing COVID-19 infections drove the demand during the pandemic period. However, currently, there is a decrease in imaging volume, particularly due to a decrease in COVID-19 cases. Still, the emergence of various other mutant virus strains of COVID-19 and the use of digital X-rays for other modalities will increase the demand for digital X-rays.

The factors that are responsible for the growth of the market include increasing incidence of diseases requiring X-ray diagnoses, such as orthopedic diseases, cancers, etc., increasing technological advancements, and advantages of digital X-rays over conventional X-rays.

The increasing incidence of chronic diseases is expected to be the crucial driving factor for the growth of the market. For instance, according to the IARC data in October 2021, the cervical cancer crude incidence rate among females in Italy was 10.2. The incidence rate of oral cavity cancer was 8.04 in males and 5.38 in females. Similarly, in the same source, in Italy, the crude prevalence of vaginal cancer among females was 0.76 and the incidence rate of anal cancer among males was 1.38. Thus, increasing the incidence of cancer cases is more likely to drive the market for digital X-rays.

Additionally, the MDPI Journal research article published in September 2021 reported that the worldwide prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is estimated to be 3-12%, affecting nearly 27 million people in Europe. The same source also reported that in Europe, the prevalence of PAD is estimated at around 17.8% between the ages of 45 and 55. These studies show the high burden of peripheral vascular diseases, which is another factor boosting the market's growth.

Furthermore, the increasing launches of advanced digital X-rays in Europe by various market players are also expected to contribute to the growth of the market. For instance, in March 2021, Konica Minolta launched AeroDRX90, a high-end auto-positioning X-ray system, at the European Congress of Radiology virtual exhibition. The Aero DR X90 was a highly ergonomically designed system that used auto-positioning, auto-tracking, and auto-stitching to help drive an efficient workflow. Launches of such innovative products are expected to contribute to the growth of the market.

Thus, due to factors such as the growing prevalence of chronic diseases, rising demand for effective diagnostic equipment, and innovative product launches by various market players, the market is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period. However, the high initial cost of installation and new sales affected by the increasing use of the refurbished device and stringent regulations are expected to hinder the market growth.