Explosive Trace Detection Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Handheld, Portable/Movable, Fixed Point/Standalone), By Technology, By End Use, By Region And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Explosive Trace Detection Market Trends

The global explosive trace detection market was valued at USD 1.56 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.4% from 2024 to 2030. Governments and international organizations implement regulations and standards to ensure public safety, particularly in transportation and critical infrastructure. Regulations mandating the use of ETD systems in airports, border security, and other sensitive areas are driving market growth. Compliance with these regulations necessitates adopting advanced detection systems, increasing the demand for ETD technologies.

The growth of the global air travel and tourism industry has led to an increased need for stringent security measures at airports and other transportation hubs. Globally, total traffic in 2023 rose 36.9% compared to 2022. As passenger traffic increases, so does the demand for efficient and effective explosive detection systems to ensure travelers' safety. The expansion of airport infrastructure and the establishment of new airports in emerging economies also contribute to the demand for ETD systems.

The growing need to upgrade security measures required in critical infrastructure, such as government buildings and public venues, such as stadiums and convention centers, is driving the growth due to rising terrorism, insurgencies, and geopolitical conflicts. Innovations such as enhanced sensitivity, faster detection capabilities, and improved portability of ETD devices are making them more effective and user-friendly. Advancements in sample collection, analytical techniques, and data interpretation software drive market growth.

The rise of global events, such as international sports tournaments, concerts, and political summits, necessitates robust security measures to protect attendees. Organizers and security agencies are increasingly deploying ETD systems to prevent any security breaches during such events. The need for comprehensive security solutions at large-scale gatherings drives the adoption of ETD technologies.

Product Insights

The handheld segment dominated the market and accounted for a revenue share of 39.8% in 2023. Handheld ETD devices are versatile and are used in numerous applications, including airport security, border control, law enforcement, military operations, and event security. These devices are user-friendly, with direct interfaces and minimal training requirements. Security personnel and first responders are able to quickly learn to operate handheld detectors, enabling rapid integration into existing security protocols. The ease of use ensures that handheld ETD systems are effectively utilized by a wide range of personnel, further driving their adoption in various sectors.

The portable/movable segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Portable ETD devices are easily transported and deployed in various locations, making them essential for conducting on-the-spot inspections. This flexibility is necessary for active environments such as border crossings, temporary checkpoints, and large public events, where security requirements change rapidly. The ability to quickly relocate and adapt to different locations drives market demand.

Technology Insights

Colorimetrics and automated colorimetric segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023. Colorimetric detection involves a chemical reaction that produces a visible color change when explosive substances are present. This high sensitivity allows for detecting even trace amounts of explosive materials, making it reliable for ensuring security. Colorimetric tests are easy to perform and require minimal training for security personnel. Their instant results allow for quick decision-making and immediate response to potential threats, driving its demand in the market.

The ion mobility spectrometry segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Ion mobility spectrometry devices provide rapid detection and real-time analysis, allowing for immediate identification of explosive materials. This real-time analysis is essential in high-activity areas such as airports, border checkpoints, and significant public events where quick decision-making is necessary. The capability for real-time analysis enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of security operations, driving the demand for the Ion Mobility Spectrometry segment.

End Use Insights

The defense segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023. Modern military operations face a range of explosive threats, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs), landmines, and others. These threats require effective detection and mitigation strategies to ensure the safety of military personnel and civilians. The ongoing and evolving nature of terrorist tactics necessitates the adoption of advanced ETD technologies to detect and neutralize explosive threats in various combat and non-combat situations.

The commercial segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. The increasing frequency of terrorist attacks and threats in public spaces has significantly heightened security concerns in commercial settings. Locations such as airports, shopping malls, entertainment venues, and corporate offices are potential targets, necessitating security measures. The growing awareness of these risks drives the demand for ETD systems in commercial environments. Businesses and facility managers prioritize the safety of employees, customers, and visitors, leading to the widespread adoption of advanced ETD technologies to detect and prevent explosive threats.

Regional Insights

The North America explosive trace detection market accounted for the largest market revenue share of 35.9% in 2023. The region’s borders require robust security measures to prevent the smuggling of explosives and other illegal materials. Advanced ETD systems are deployed at border checkpoints to check vehicles, cargo, and individuals for explosive materials. Focusing on securing borders and preventing illegal activities drives the demand for ETD technologies in border security applications.

U.S. Explosive Trace Detection Market Trends

The U.S. explosive trace detection market accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023. In the U.S., ETD technologies are increasingly incorporated into comprehensive security frameworks, including surveillance systems, access control, and emergency response protocols. Integrating ETD systems with broader security solutions enhances their effectiveness and utility. This integration provides a layered approach to security, improving the organization's overall threat detection and response capabilities. Seamlessly integrating ETD systems into existing security infrastructures drives their adoption in the U.S. market.

Europe Explosive Trace Detection Market Trends

Europe explosive trace detection (ETD) market is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period. Public events such as sports events, festivals, and international conferences attract large crowds and are potential targets for terrorist attacks. To ensure the public's safety, event organizers and security agencies are increasingly adopting ETD systems for pre-event screenings and on-site security. The growing number and scale of major public events in the region drive the demand for reliable and efficient ETD solutions to protect public gatherings.

The UK explosive trace detection market is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period. Collaboration between governments, security agencies, and technology providers facilitates the exchange of expertise and resources, creating more effective detection solutions. These partnerships enable the implementation of innovative ETD technologies in various sectors, including transportation, critical infrastructure, and public spaces. For instance, in January 2024, The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) launched a Themed Competition, Small, Lightweight Trace Explosives Detector. It is jointly financed by the UK Ministry of Defence and the US Department of Defense. It aims to develop lightweight and bioassay systems for detecting trace explosives

Asia Pacific Explosive Trace Detection Market Trends

Asia Pacific explosive trace detection (ETD) market is anticipated to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. With the rising number of passengers traveling daily in the Asia Pacific region, airports and transportation hubs implement stringent security measures to ensure passenger safety. The increasing volume of travelers necessitates efficient and reliable ETD systems for screening purposes. The expansion of transportation networks and the rising number of travelers in the region drive the demand for ETD technologies, ensuring the safety of passengers and infrastructure.

China explosive trace detection market is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period. Shopping malls, entertainment venues, corporate offices, and other public spaces in China prioritize the safety of visitors and employees. The need to prevent potential explosive threats in these environments drives the demand for ETD systems in the country. Companies and organizations invest in advanced ETD technologies to ensure a safe and secure environment, contributing to market growth in the commercial sector.

Key Explosive Trace Detection Company Insights

Some of the key industries participants include Analogic Corporation, DetectaChem, Smiths Detection Group Ltd., Bruker, Teledyne FLIR LLC, and others.

• Analogic Corporation provides advanced technology solutions for the healthcare and security markets. Its product portfolio includes medical imaging systems such as ultrasound and MRI scanners and high-performance security solutions such as explosive trace detection (ETD) systems and baggage scanners.

• Smiths Detection Group Ltd. provides advanced detection and screening technologies that enhance security and safety across various sectors. Their product offerings include advanced explosive trace detection (ETD) systems, advanced baggage and cargo screening solutions, and detectors.

Recent Developments

• In February 2024, the U.S., through the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA), donated four explosive trace detection (ETD) devices to the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (AATT). This donation enhances the technical screening capabilities of security partners in Trinidad and Tobago.

• In April 2024, the Transportation Security Administration's Innovation Task Force approved GreyScan Detection's ETD-100 Inorganic Explosives Trace Detector for demonstration purposes. The detector was developed to identify explosive compositions, including inorganic materials.

Explosive Trace Detection Market Report Scope

Global Explosive Trace Detection Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the explosive trace detection market report based on product, technology, end use, and region.

• Product Type (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Handheld

  • Portable/ Movable

  • Fixed Point/ Standalone

• Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Chemiluminescence

  • Thermo- redox

  • Amplifying Fluorescent Polymer

  • Mass Spectrometry

  • Ion Mobility Spectrometry

  • Colorimetrics and Automated Colorimetric

• End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Commercial

  • Defense

  • Public Safety & Law Enforcement

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • Australia

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

  • MEA

    • South Africa

    • South Arabia

    • UAE