Cargo Scanning Equipment Market Report 2026

The cargo scanning equipment market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $4.02 billion in 2025 to $4.3 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing global cargo movement volumes, rising security concerns at borders and ports, expansion of airport and port security infrastructure, adoption of x-ray based inspection technologies, increasing regulatory screening requirements.

The cargo scanning equipment market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $5.78 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing investments in intelligent border security systems, rising demand for real-time cargo threat detection, expansion of automated inspection at logistics hubs, growing integration of ai-based analytics in scanning systems, increasing focus on trade security compliance. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing deployment of ai-enabled threat detection systems, rising adoption of advanced x-ray and imaging technologies, growing integration of automated cargo inspection solutions, expansion of multi-layer security screening systems, enhanced focus on high-throughput cargo scanning.

The increasing threat of terrorism is expected to drive the growth of the cargo scanning equipment market in the coming years. Terrorism involves the deliberate use of violence, intimidation, or other harmful acts to instill fear and panic, typically for political, ideological, or religious motives. Advanced scanning technologies help detect and prevent the smuggling of illicit materials, highlighting the crucial role of effective cargo scanning solutions in strengthening security measures and safeguarding supply chains. For example, in February 2024, the Institute for Economics and Peace, an Australia-based think tank, reported that terrorism remains a major global threat, with total deaths rising by 22% to 8,352 in 2023. Over 90% of terrorist attacks and 98% of terrorism-related deaths occurred in conflict zones, underscoring the strong link between conflict and terrorism. Consequently, the growing threat of terrorism is fueling the demand for cargo scanning equipment.

Key players in the cargo scanning equipment market are developing advanced technologies, such as X-ray screening systems, to reach wider customer bases, boost sales, and increase revenue. X-ray screening technology uses X-rays to inspect and analyze objects or materials for purposes including security screening, medical diagnostics, and quality control. For instance, in March 2023, Rapiscan Systems, a US-based security screening provider, launched the 935DX, designed specifically for screening air cargo and pallets. Its unique design positions the primary generator centrally beneath the conveyor and incorporates a proprietary U-shaped detector line, ensuring operators receive precise images with correct aspect ratios regardless of object orientation on the conveyor belt. The 935DX is also engineered without requiring installation or service access from above, making it suitable for facilities with limited overhead space, a common limitation in many air cargo centers.

In March 2023, Tek84 Inc., a US-based developer of high-technology body scanner security solutions, acquired Integrated Defense and Security Solutions (IDSS) Corp. for an undisclosed amount. This strategic acquisition aims to expand Tek84 Inc.'s presence on the east coast by integrating x-ray inspection technology that defends against safety hazards such as contraband, human trafficking, and terrorism. Integrated Defense and Security Solutions (IDSS) Corp., a US-based company specializing in advanced threat detection systems, including cargo scanning equipment, will contribute to opening new markets for the combined companies' products and services.

Major companies operating in the cargo scanning equipment market are Leidos Holdings Inc., Elbit Systems Ltd., Teledyne Technologies, IDEMIA, Smiths Detection Group Ltd., OSI Systems Inc., Rapiscan System Inc., Nuctech Company Limited, Analogic Corporation, Astrophysics Inc., L3 Security & Detection Systems Inc., ADANI Systems Inc., ICTS International N.V., Autoclear LLC, Metrasens Ltd., CEIA USA Ltd., MB Telecom Ltd. SRL, Kromek Group, VOTI Detection Inc., Westminster International Ltd. (Westminster Group), Vidisco Ltd., Scanna MSC Ltd., Gilardoni S.p.A., Todd Research Ltd., LIXI Inc.

North America was the largest region in the cargo scanning equipment market in 2025. The regions covered in the cargo scanning equipment market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the cargo scanning equipment market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The cargo scanning equipment market consists of sales of x-ray inspection systems, air cargo scanners, gamma-ray scanners, customs management systems (CMS), radiation detection equipment, container code recognition systems (CCR), and automatic number plate readers. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.