Despite the growing popularity of digital technologies, x-ray films continue to record growth derived from traditional use in general radiography and mammography applications; and the overall market for x-ray films, chemicals and processors is projected to reach $5.9 billion by 2010, according a report from Global Industry Analysts (GIA).
United States, Europe, and Japan account for more than three-fourths of the global x-ray films, chemicals and processors market, according to GIA. The report also said that Asia-Pacific, one of the fastest growing x-rays, chemicals and processors markets, is expected to register a compound annual growth rate of 3.7 percent over the period 2000-2010. Laser imager films market in the region is estimated at $185 million for 2008.
Sales of x-ray films have become a major issue for contract portfolios, particularly for crucial group purchasing organizations in the United States, GIA noted. The market is influenced by several factors, primarily, centralization of healthcare business.
The United States currently represents the largest market for x-rays, chemicals and processors. The medical x-ray films market in the United States is projected to decline by 2010 from an estimated $1.3 billion for 2008, according to the report.
The European x-ray equipment markets are exploring healthier and sophisticated diagnostic methods, to reduce patient exposure to high levels of dosage radiations, GIA said. Germany represents the single largest market for x-ray films, chemicals and processors in Europe accounting for an estimated 23 percent share of the total market for 2008, according to the report. In fact, GIA said that the x-ray film processors market in Germany is projected to reach $18 million by 2010.
Industry participants profiled in the report include Agfa-Gevaert, Carestream Health, Dentsply International, FUJIFILM Medical Systems, Hologic and Konica Minolta Holdings. The report also enumerated recent developments, mergers, acquisitions and other strategic industry activities related to major industry players.