The U.S. RFID Tags Market is estimated to be valued at USD 5.08 billion in 2024, exhibiting a CAGR of 10.9% over the forecast period (2024-2031). Growing inventory management applications across industries coupled with stringent regulations mandated by the government regarding product lifecycle are expected to drive the market growth. Furthermore, innovations in RFID technology will continue to push the demand over the coming years.
Market Dynamics:
Growing inventory management applications: RFID tags are widely being used across industries like retail, manufacturing, healthcare for effective tracking of inventory, and assets. The technology offers benefits like real-time visibility, automated data capture, and higher accuracy which is boosting its adoption for inventory management.
Government regulations and support: Regulatory bodies in the U.S. have mandated strict laws regarding visibility of supply chain operations. They are also supporting the deployment of RFID systems through initiatives. For instance, FDA requires the tagging of medical devices and pharmaceuticals for traceability. Compliance to such regulations is propelling the demand for RFID tags.
Market Drivers: Need for Asset Tracking and Inventory Management is Driving Growth in the U.S. RFID Tags Market
The growing need for asset tracking and inventory management across various industries such as retail, healthcare, manufacturing, etc. is one of the major drivers for the U.S. RFID tags market. RFID tags help organizations efficiently track high-value assets and manage large inventory in real-time. This has helped reduce operational costs through enhanced visibility and accountability. Many retailers are adopting RFID tags to streamline supply chain operations and optimize inventory levels on shelves. Similarly, hospitals are using RFID patient wristbands for tracking patients, medications, and assets to enhance safety and efficiency. RFID tags allow for automated identification and processing of goods which has boosted their adoption across manufacturing facilities as well. As asset tracking and inventory management needs continue to rise with growing business complexities, it will keep driving the demand for RFID tags in the country.
Market Drivers: Government Mandates for Item-level Tracking are Accelerating RFID Adoption
Government regulations mandating the use of RFID technology for item-level tracking of certain goods is another key growth driver. For example, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires track-and-trace of prescription drugs using RFID at the individual item level. This is aimed at curbing counterfeit drugs and enhancing patient safety. Similarly, track-and-trace regulations for tobacco and alcohol products are propelling the RFID tags market. RFID-based e-passports and enhanced driver’s licenses with RFID chips are other examples where the government is playing a catalytic role. As more industries come under regulatory compliance for item-level tracking, it will continue accelerating the countrywide adoption of RFID tags.
Market Restraints: High Tag Costs act as a Restraint for Widespread Adoption
One of the major restraints hampering the growth of the RFID tags market is their relatively high per-unit cost compared to barcode labels. The production cost of an RFID tag depends on its type - active, passive, or semi-passive. While passive RFID tags are cheaper, active ones with batteries/power sources have a significantly higher price point. This cost factor restricts RFID implementation for low-cost, high-volume consumable goods that are suited for barcodes. It also discourages SMEs and price-sensitive sectors from investing in RFID technologies. Unless the tag prices come down further, cost will continue to hold back wider U.S. RFID adoption rates across all applicable industry verticals.
Market Restraints: Lack of Global Standards Creates Interoperability Issues
Another challenge faced by the industry is the lack of universal standards for aspects like frequency bandwidth, protocol, and data formatting among RFID tags and readers. While organizations like EPC global have introduced standards like EPC Class, full harmonization is still a work in progress internationally. This leads to interoperability issues where tags and readers from different vendors do not communicate effectively. It restricts RFID deployment across global supply chains. There is still need for alignment on common standards at both technical and application levels. Interoperability barriers stemming from non-uniform protocols continue limiting the large-scale proliferation of RFID technologies.
Market Opportunities: Growing Efforts in Supply Chain Digitization Present Opportunities
Rising digital transformation efforts across various industries that involve supply chain digitization offer huge potential for RFID tags adoption in the U.S. Technologies like Blockchain, IoT, and cloud are enabling higher connectivity and visibility within supply networks. Fueled by e-commerce growth, retailers are upgrading supply chain infra with RFID to enhance visibility of inventory levels across warehouses, DCs and stores. This allows for demand-driven replenishment. Pharmaceutical companies too are exploring track-and-trace applications of RFID and Blockchain to secure product authenticity. As more industries prioritize digitization, the RFID industry can leverage the opportunity to upgrade current deployments as well as expand into new application areas.
Market Opportunities: Growth of Smart Manufacturing Bodes Well for RFID Systems
Transition towards smart, connected manufacturing driven by technologies like 3D printing, robotics, big data, and IoT is slated to fuel the high RFID tags demand. Manufacturers are employing more RFID across assembly, quality control, and predictive maintenance functions to optimize production efficiency. RFID-enabled asset management solutions are helping track tools and spare parts inventory on factory floors. Industries like automotive, aerospace, and electronics manufacturing are significantly ramping up RFID adoption to support their 'Industry 4.0' goals. Smart manufacturing initiatives involving predictive quality, real-time production monitoring, etc. will further strengthen use cases for RFID tags in factories.
Link - https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/market-insight/us-rfid-tags-market-3643
Key Developments:
- In March 2022, Avery Dennison Corporation, the provider of branding and information labeling solutions, announced the acquisition of linerless label technology created by Catchpoint Ltd. This technology is used to make sure that labels should not stick to one another for this it as the feature of the silicon release coating. This deal includes ownership on all Catchpoint Ltd.'s patents, brand, and trade secrets.
- In June 2021, Impinj, Inc., the provider of RAIN RFID reader chips, introduced the E910 RAIN RFID reader chip for the next generation that enables Internet of Things (IoT) device markers to increase demand for item connectivity in retail, logistics and supply chain, consumer electronics, etc. E910 RAIN RFID includes E710, E510, and E310
Key Players:
Alien Technology, AMS AG, Avery Dennison Corporation, Confidex Ltd., HID The U.S. Corporation, Impinj Inc., Invengo Information Technology Co., Ltd., NXP Semiconductors N.V., Omni-ID Ltd., and RF Code Inc.
