Asia Pacific Ultrasound Market Outlook to 2028

Asia Pacific Ultrasound Market Overview

• The Asia Pacific Ultrasound Market is valued at USD 20 billion, driven by the increasing demand for diagnostic tools in healthcare systems across the region. The rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders and cancer is contributing to the growing adoption of ultrasound devices. Additionally, advancements in imaging technologies, coupled with the rising focus on early diagnosis, are key drivers for market growth. Increased healthcare spending, particularly in countries like China and India, further fuels the demand for these diagnostic solutions.

• Countries like China, Japan, and India dominate the Asia Pacific ultrasound market due to their large population bases, well-established healthcare infrastructure, and technological advancements in medical imaging. Japan's medical technology leadership, China's vast healthcare reforms, and India's rapid expansion of healthcare access have all contributed to their prominence in this market. Furthermore, government initiatives to enhance healthcare infrastructure in these nations have played a pivotal role in supporting market dominance.
• In January 2022, United Imaging announced a strategic partnership with King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC). In accordance with this agreement, the two organizations planned to work together to advance the field of oncology & molecular imaging and improve healthcare delivery in the area through academic exchange, research on clinical applications, and talent development.

Asia Pacific Ultrasound Market Segmentation

By Product Type: The Asia Pacific ultrasound market is segmented by product type into diagnostic ultrasound devices and therapeutic ultrasound devices. Diagnostic ultrasound devices have a dominant market share due to their widespread use in non-invasive medical imaging for various conditions, including obstetrics, gynecology, and cardiology. These devices are integral to detecting early-stage diseases, which has increased their demand across hospitals and diagnostic centers. The high accuracy and safety of these devices in providing real-time imaging contribute to their growing adoption in the region.

By Application: The Asia Pacific ultrasound market is segmented by application into radiology, cardiology, obstetrics and gynecology, and urology. Radiology applications dominate the market due to the high frequency of ultrasound use for diagnostic purposes in medical imaging. The non-invasive nature and the ability to provide detailed images of internal organs make ultrasound the preferred choice for radiologists, particularly for abdominal and vascular imaging. Additionally, ultrasound is cost-effective compared to other imaging modalities, further driving its dominance in this segment.

Asia Pacific Ultrasound Market Competitive Landscape

The Asia Pacific ultrasound market is dominated by several major players, including global giants and regional players. These companies maintain their leadership position through strategic initiatives such as mergers, acquisitions, technological innovations, and market expansion. The market is highly competitive, with leading players continuously investing in R&D to enhance their product portfolios and cater to the increasing demand for diagnostic solutions. The presence of local manufacturers also adds competitive pressure, as they offer cost-effective solutions tailored to regional needs.

Asia Pacific Ultrasound Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Rising Prevalence of Chronic Diseases: The Asia Pacific region is witnessing an alarming rise in the prevalence of chronic diseases, which is significantly driving the demand for ultrasound diagnostics. In 2021, it was reported that around 140.9 million people in China and 74.2 million in India were living with diabetesThis increase in chronic conditions is directly correlated to the growing utilization of ultrasound devices in early diagnosis and monitoring treatments.
• Increasing Healthcare Expenditure: In 2024, healthcare expenditure across the Asia Pacific region continues to rise, driven by government funding, private investments, and expanding insurance coverage. In the fiscal year 2021, the national medical care expenses in Japan amounted to approximately 45 trillion Japanese yen (USD 301.5 billion). This financial commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure fuels the adoption of advanced ultrasound systems across hospitals and clinics. Governments are also introducing subsidies to promote non-invasive diagnostic tools, accelerating market demand for ultrasound devices in both urban and rural settings.
• Growing Geriatric Population: The region is experiencing a notable increase in its geriatric population, with countries like Japan, China, and South Korea leading this demographic shift. The aging population brings higher healthcare demands, especially for diagnostic tools such as ultrasound, which are essential for diagnosing age-related conditions like cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and cancer. As life expectancy rises across the region, healthcare systems are increasingly relying on non-invasive diagnostic methods like ultrasound to cater to the growing medical needs of the elderly population. This trend is driving the adoption of advanced ultrasound technologies across the region.

Market Restraints

• High Cost of Advanced Ultrasound Devices: The high cost of advanced ultrasound devices poses a significant challenge for smaller healthcare institutions in the Asia Pacific region. Premium ultrasound systems, especially those equipped with 3D/4D imaging capabilities, are often only affordable for large hospitals in developed countries like Japan, South Korea, and Australia. This limits the accessibility of these technologies for smaller clinics, particularly in emerging markets. As a result, the adoption of advanced ultrasound devices remains restricted in lower-income areas, hindering the overall market penetration in the region.
• Lack of Skilled Technicians: The shortage of adequately trained ultrasound technicians is a significant challenge in the Asia Pacific region. In rural areas, especially in countries like India, Indonesia, and the Philippines, the ratio of healthcare professionals to the population is much lower compared to urban regions. This lack of skilled personnel affects the efficient use of ultrasound technologies, limiting their deployment and proper usage in rural healthcare facilities. The disparity in healthcare professional distribution creates barriers to fully integrating advanced diagnostic tools in these underserved regions.

Asia Pacific Ultrasound Market Future Outlook

The Asia Pacific ultrasound market is expected to witness significant growth over the next five years, driven by factors such as the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, the need for early diagnostic tools, and technological advancements in imaging. Governments across the region are making concerted efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure, which will bolster the adoption of ultrasound systems in hospitals and diagnostic centers. Additionally, the growing demand for portable and point-of-care ultrasound devices will further drive market expansion.

Market Opportunities

• Expansion of Healthcare Infrastructure: The expansion of healthcare infrastructure, particularly in emerging markets like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand, presents a significant opportunity for the ultrasound market. As these countries invest in modernizing their hospitals and healthcare systems, the demand for advanced diagnostic equipment, including ultrasound technologies, is expected to grow. This development is driven by government initiatives and private sector involvement aimed at improving healthcare access and quality, which in turn will create more opportunities for ultrasound devices to be integrated into new hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers across these emerging economies.
• Emerging Markets and Rural Areas: Emerging markets and rural areas across the Asia Pacific region are experiencing increased healthcare initiatives aimed at enhancing diagnostic capabilities. Governments and healthcare organizations are focusing on improving access to diagnostic tools, particularly in underserved rural regions. The demand for portable and affordable ultrasound devices is expected to rise as efforts to equip primary healthcare centers with essential diagnostic technologies continue to expand. This focus on rural healthcare development opens significant opportunities for the ultrasound market in providing accessible solutions to these areas.