Medical Tubing Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product Type (Silicone, Polyolefins, Polyimide), By Application (Bulk Disposable Tubing), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview

The global medical tubing market size was estimated at USD 12,232.7 million in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.0% from 2023 to 2030. Easy access of the masses to healthcare products and surged global demand for medical devices equipped with effective tubing are projected to drive the growth of the market during the forecast period.

The growing geriatric population worldwide has significantly driven the requirement for medical devices equipped with tubes, thereby fueling the growth of the market. Moreover, the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, arthritis, etc. that necessitate complex surgical procedures has surged the demand for minimally invasive treatment methods. This has further augmented the consumption of plastic polymers, silicone, nylon, etc., which are ideal raw materials for developing catheters and medical tubing, thereby fueling the demand for medical tubing over the forecast period.

The prevalence of a significant geriatric population in the country, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and relatively sophisticated disposable income levels of patients are some important drivers of the healthcare industry in the U.S. According to the Population Reference Bureau, the number of people aged 65 and older in the U.S. is expected to double from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million by 2060. Thus, the aforementioned factors are likely to have a positive impact on the growth of the market which is likely to propel the demand for medical tubing in applications such as catheters, drug delivery systems, among others.

The continuous innovation in drug delivery systems by medical device manufacturers is resulting in the requirement of customizable medical tubes, projected to drive the demand for medical tubes in drug delivery systems. The growing number of collaborations and joint ventures between various companies in the medical device sector is expected to expand the global reach of disposable medical devices, consequently boosting the market growth.

In terms of revenue, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) was estimated to be the largest segment. However, its demand is expected to decline over the forecast period on account of the presence of toxic bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) content in PVC tubes. Manufacturers are rapidly switching to the production of DEHP-free PVC medical tubes in order to comply with the regulations which is anticipated to further facilitate the growth of polyvinyl chloride tubing over the coming years.

With the improving healthcare systems, life expectancy is also anticipated to increase in developing regions of the world. This demographic trend will surge the demand for medical equipment incorporated with lightweight, portable medical tubing. The use of devices such as eternal tube feeding equipment and patient monitoring equipment is expected to witness a rapid rise during the forecast period, thereby acting as an opportunity for the growth of medical tubing market in the coming years.

Product Insights

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) segment has led the industry and accounted for 30.7% of the global revenue share in 2022. An increase in the use of single-use pre-sterilized medical devices has led to the growth in the demand for PVC-based medical devices. PVC can also be sterilized using irradiation and ethylene oxide sterilization methods.

The demand for silicone in medical applications is increasing as it is not toxic to living tissues and is unlikely to yield an allergenic response. Further, silicon tubing used in medical devices is usually of higher grade and is manufactured using a continuous vulcanization and extrusion process.

The demand for polycarbonates in medical tubing is increasing as it can be sterilized using all effective methods such as irradiation (gamma and electron-beam), ethylene oxide, and steam autoclaving, which gives the device manufacturer broad flexibility in determining the most cost-efficient way for a product.

Fluoropolymers are non-toxic, inert, bio-compatible, and can also be sterilized, and these unique properties make fluoropolymers an ideal choice for medical devices. Fluoropolymers a preferred material in next-generation medical devices such as sutures, syringes, bio-containment vessels, and catheters.

Application Insights

The bulk disposable tubing segment led the market and accounted for a 34.8% share of the global revenue in 2022. Bulk disposable devices include urological products, surgical instruments, syringes, and needles. The growing emphasis on preventing the spread of infection from one patient to another is anticipated to drive segment growth over the forecast period.

Major materials used for developing bulk disposable tubing are silicone and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Silicone bulk disposable medical tubing are widely used in medical implants, as well as in draining and feeding medical applications, as they are resistant to extreme temperature variations and possess high strength and flexibility.

Catheters are narrow tubes composed of medical-grade materials that serve a variety of roles in medical applications. They are introduced into the bodies of patients to treat diseases or perform surgeries. The demand for catheters has been encouraged by the increasing cases of chronic conditions in the global population that require hospitalization.

Major materials used for developing catheters are silicone and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). As silicone catheters are latex-free, they are appropriate for individuals who are allergic or sensitive to latex. In addition, silicone is one of the preferred materials over latex, as it is highly tested and widely used over time. Certain advantages of silicone catheters are their smoothness and flexibility. Moreover, they have less encrustation.

Regional Insights

North America led the market and accounted for 35.6% of the global revenue share in 2022. Factors such as technological advancements, and increasing healthcare spending, coupled with government policies are likely to propel the market demand. For instance, in 2021, according to NHE (National Health Expenditure Data), U.S. medicare spending increased by 8.4% USD 900 billion and medicaid increased by 9.2% USD 734 billion compared to 2020. Some of the major manufacturers in North America are Bentec Medical, Spectrum Plastics Group, Hitachi Cable America, Inc., and NewAge Industries, Inc.

The well-established medical infrastructure and increasing healthcare expenditures are expected to drive product demand in Europe. Steady demand for minimally invasive and diagnostic equipment, which use medical tubes, is also anticipated to boost the market growth over the forecast period.

Asia Pacific is estimated to be the fastest-growing regional due to the rising demand for better healthcare product which has pushed medical equipment manufacturers to emphasize on the development of innovative ways to reach a wide range of people. Moreover, rising demand for minimally invasive surgeries, and upsurge in geriatric population are factors that will boost the demand for healthcare services.

The demand for healthcare services in Central & South America, owing to several factors, including the aging population on account of longer life expectancy and lower birth rates coupled with rising instances of chronic diseases. Also, public-private partnerships are increasing in the sector. Thus, improving healthcare infrastructure, coupled with the expanding healthcare industry.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The manufacturers adopt several strategies, including acquisitions, mergers, joint ventures, new product developments, and geographical expansions, to enhance market penetration and cater to the changing technological requirements from various end-use industries.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted medical tubing manufacturers to strengthen online marketplaces for services and spare part availability. For instance, in February 2023, Freudenberg expanded its medical tubing production to Massachusetts. The aim of this initiative is to serve its Eastern U.S. customers by providing them with custom solutions. Some prominent players in the medical tubing market include:

• Asahi Tec Corp.

• MDC Industries

• Nordson Corp.

• ZARYS International Group

• Hitachi Cable America Inc.

• NewAge Industries, Inc.

• TE Connectivity

• Freudenberg & Co. KG

• Spectrum Plastics Group

• ATAG SpA

Medical Tubing Market Report Scope

Global Medical Tubing Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis on the industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the medical tubing market based on product, application, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • Silicone

  • Polyolefins

  • Polyimide

  • Polyvinyl Chloride

  • Polycarbonates

  • Fluoropolymers

    • Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

    • Fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP)

  • Others

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • Bulk disposable tubing

    • Silicone

    • Polyolefins

    • Polyimide

    • Polyvinyl Chloride

    • Polycarbonates

    • Fluoropolymers

      • Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

      • Fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP)

    • Others

  • Drug delivery systems

    • Silicone

    • Polyolefins

    • Polyimide

    • Polyvinyl Chloride

    • Polycarbonates

    • Fluoropolymers

      • Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

      • Fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP)

    • Others

  • Catheters

    • Silicone

    • Polyolefins

    • Polyimide

    • Polyvinyl Chloride

    • Polycarbonates

    • Fluoropolymers

      • Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

      • Fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP)

    • Others

  • Biopharmaceutical laboratory equipment

    • Silicone

    • Polyolefins

    • Polyimide

    • Polyvinyl Chloride

    • Polycarbonates

    • Fluoropolymers

      • Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

      • Fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP)

    • Others

  • Others

    • Silicone

    • Polyolefins

    • Polyimide

    • Polyvinyl Chloride

    • Polycarbonates

    • Fluoropolymers

      • Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

      • Fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP)

    • Others

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

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • France

    • Germany

    • Italy

    • Netherlands

    • Russia

    • Spain

    • UK

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • Australia

    • Singapore

    • South Korea

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa