Cargo Scanning Equipment Global Market Report 2024

The cargo scanning equipment market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $3.52 billion in 2023 to $3.82 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3%. The growth observed in the historical period can be attributed to the escalation of global trade volumes, heightened security concerns, the enforcement of stringent customs and border protection regulations, an increase in illicit trafficking activities, and a growing demand for non-intrusive inspection solutions.

The cargo scanning equipment market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $5.06 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the expansion of e-commerce and logistics, the increasing demand for efficient supply chain management, the adoption of radiation detection technologies, continuous growth in international shipping, and the widespread use of portable and handheld scanning devices. Prominent trends expected in the forecast period include advances in imaging technologies, technological enhancements in scanning equipment, the integration of artificial intelligence into scanning systems, the incorporation of blockchain for supply chain security, and the utilization of machine learning for anomaly detection.

The anticipated growth of the cargo scanning equipment market is closely tied to the expansion of international trade. This type of trade involves the exchange of goods and services between businesses across different nations, facilitating the movement of goods through imports and exports. Cargo scanning equipment plays a crucial role in sustaining the security of global supply chains, uncovering illicit activities, and ensuring the smooth flow of legal trade. By aiding customs officials in border security and mitigating trade-related risks, these scanning solutions contribute significantly to the efficiency of international trade. For instance, Eurostat reported that in the second quarter of 2021, EU ports handled 854.3 million metric tons of goods, which increased to 873.05 million metric tons during the same period in 2022. Additionally, a study by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) revealed a 1.9% increase in international trade in goods during the first quarter of 2023, adding nearly $100 billion. Consequently, the expansion of international trade is poised to propel the cargo scanning equipment market.

The growing threat of terrorism is expected to be a driving force behind the growth of the cargo scanning equipment market. Terrorism, involving the systematic use of violence or intimidation for political, ideological, or religious purposes, poses a significant risk. To detect and prevent the smuggling of illicit materials, advanced scanning technologies are employed, underscoring the vital role of robust cargo scanning solutions in enhancing security measures and safeguarding supply chains. A report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) indicated a 53% increase in terrorist attacks in 2021, with 43% of incidents in domestic terrorism targeting government, armed forces, and law enforcement. White supremacists, anti-government militias, and other extremist groups accounted for 49% of the attacks and plots. Hence, the escalating threat of terrorism is a key factor contributing to the growth of the cargo scanning equipment market.

A noteworthy trend in the cargo scanning equipment market is the focus on product innovations by major companies. These companies are actively engaged in developing innovative solutions to enhance their market positions. For example, Smiths Detection Group Ltd., a UK-based designer and manufacturer of advanced threat detection solutions, introduced the HI-SCAN 10080 XCT in March 2022. This advanced X-ray computed tomography system for hold baggage and air cargo received approval from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration's Air Cargo Screening Technology List (ACSTL). Featuring dual-view dual-energy X-ray line scanning and complete 3D volumetric computed tomography (CT) imaging, the HI-SCAN 10080 XCT enhances the speed, efficiency, and safety of screening hold luggage and air cargo. Its innovative design allows for screening 2,500 packages per hour when integrated into fully automated and networked luggage and material handling systems.

Major companies in the cargo scanning equipment market are also developing advanced technologies, such as X-ray screening technologies, to cater to larger customer bases, increase sales, and drive revenue growth. X-ray screening technology involves the use of X-rays to inspect and examine objects or materials for various purposes, including security screening. Rapiscan Systems, a US-based security screening provider, introduced the 935DX in March 2023, designed for screening air cargo and pallets. Its unique configuration places the primary generator centrally under the conveyor, ensuring highly accurate images with the correct aspect ratio, regardless of the object's orientation on the conveyor belt. The 935DX is engineered without the need for installation or service access from above, making it suitable for facilities with limited overhead space.

In March 2023, Tek84 Inc., a US-based developer of high-technology body scanner security solutions, acquired Integrated Defense and Security Solutions (IDSS) Corp. for an undisclosed amount. This strategic acquisition aims to expand Tek84 Inc.'s presence on the east coast by integrating x-ray inspection technology that defends against safety hazards such as contraband, human trafficking, and terrorism. Integrated Defense and Security Solutions (IDSS) Corp., a US-based company specializing in advanced threat detection systems, including cargo scanning equipment, will contribute to opening new markets for the combined companies' products and services.

Major companies operating in the cargo scanning equipment market report are Leidos Holdings Inc., Elbit Systems Ltd., Teledyne Technologies, IDEMIA, Smiths Detection Group Ltd., OSI Systems Inc., Rapiscan System Inc., Nuctech Company Limited, Analogic Corporation, Astrophysics Inc., L3 Security & Detection Systems Inc., ADANI Systems Inc., ICTS International N.V., Autoclear LLC, Metrasens Ltd., CEIA USA Ltd., MB Telecom Ltd. SRL, Kromek Group, VOTI Detection Inc., Westminster International Ltd. (Westminster Group), Vidisco Ltd., Scanna MSC Ltd., Gilardoni S.p.A., Todd Research Ltd., LIXI Inc.

North America was the largest region in the cargo scanning equipment market in 2023. The regions covered in the cargo scanning equipment market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the cargo scanning equipment market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

The principal types of cargo scanning equipment encompass narcotics trace detectors, non-computed tomography X-ray scanners, explosive trace detectors (ETDs), radiation detectors, and other specialized devices. Narcotics trace detectors are designed to identify and detect trace levels of narcotics or illicit substances within potential cargo or shipments. They are applicable across various cargo sizes, including small parcels, broken pallets, and oversized cargo, and find utility in diverse sectors such as airports, railway stations, border control, logistics and transportation, as well as industrial and manufacturing facilities.

The cargo scanning equipment market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides cargo scanning equipment market statistics, including cargo scanning equipment industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a cargo scanning equipment market share, detailed cargo scanning equipment market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the cargo scanning equipment industry. This cargo scanning equipment market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

The cargo scanning equipment market consists of sales of x-ray inspection systems, air cargo scanners, gamma-ray scanners, customs management systems (CMS), radiation detection equipment, container code recognition systems (CCR), and automatic number plate readers. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).


The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.