Market Challenges And Opportunities

Global Handheld Backscatter X-Ray Device Market Drivers:

Need for highly efficient security solutions to augment market growth

One of the key factors expected to augment the growth of the global handheld backscatter X-ray device market during the forecast period is the increasing need for highly efficient and easy-to-use security solutions. In October 2022, Videray Technologies Inc. announced the launch of PX Ultra, the Handheld Backscatter X-ray Imager. With the PX Ultra, operators can confidently see through even more material, with the ability to identify anomalies through up to 10mm of steel. In addition to this improved penetration, the PX Ultra packs even more safety features, with a factor of two reduction in its radiation scatter and leakage profiles.

Increase in terrorist activities to underpin market growth

Another factor which is driving the growth of the global handheld backscatter X-ray device market is the increase in number of terrorist attacks and rise in smuggling activities across the globe. For instance, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), most of fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine are trafficked into the United States across the Southwest border. According to Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), more than 90 percent of heroin consumed in the United States today comes from Mexico. Thus, all the private passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles are scanned at the border.

Figure 2. Global Handheld Backscatter X-Ray Device Market Share (%), by End User, 2022

Global Handheld Backscatter X-Ray Device Market Opportunities:

Rise in deployment of highly efficient security solutions worldwide is expected to offer significant growth opportunities for players in the handheld backscatter X-ray device market. For instance, in early 2020, United States Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBPA) planned to install and test several X-ray imaging systems at ports alongside the southern border. Their mission is to target and prescreen containers and to develop additional investigative leads related to the terrorist threat to cargo destined to the United States. CBP provides security and facilitation operations at around 328 ports of entry throughout the country.

The outbreak of COVID-19 (global pandemic) is expected to offer significant growth opportunities for players in the global handheld backscatter X-ray device market. Handheld backscatter X-ray devices have seen a rise in demand amid the COVID-19 situation. For instance, as of June 2020, Viken Detection, by building on its VALOR program, led the US-based police departments across Oklahoma, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, and Indiana to training sessions in Burlington facility on using HBI-120 to ensure the active protection of the public from the opioid crisis amid COVID-19 (coronavirus) led challenges.

Global Handheld Backscatter X-Ray Device Market Restraints:

High cost of handheld devices to hinder market growth

One of the key factors expected to hamper growth of the global handheld backscatter X-ray device market is the high cost of handheld backscatter X-ray devices. The cost of backscatter devices is considerably high as the technology is new and vendors are few. For instance, American Science and Engineering offers its Mini Z Handheld backscatter X-ray imaging devices/system at around US$ 49,000. However, the increase in research and development and the trend of miniaturization of devices is expected to bring down the cost of backscatter devices.

Need for ergonomically designed equipment to hamper market growth

Another factor which is hampering growth of the global handheld backscatter X-ray device market is the increase in need for ergonomically designed equipment. The ergonomic design of the product is still not standardized. Moreover, the current dimensions and weight of the product are still not appropriate for personnel to hold it for a longer duration. However, the miniaturization is expected to cut down on both the weight and the size of the device.