Spectroscopy Market Shows Endurance and Growth

Anne L. Fischer

The US market for spectroscopic instruments is on the rise, according to a new market research report published by BCC Research of Norwalk, Conn.

Updating a study published in 2003, it examines present and future market trends for spectroscopic instruments used in chemical and related analyses. Exploring what the report states is a “relatively old high-tech science,” it presents an overview of the US industry from the perspective of both manufacturers and users and looks at technological innovations that have created market growth.

Figure 1. The US market for spectroscopic instruments is expected to experience an average annual growth rate of approximately 7.7 percent between 2005 and 2010, shown here by technology type. Courtesy of BCC Research.

Technological, economic, political and environmental considerations affecting the US spectroscopy industry are examined in the study, which divides spectroscopy into four main categories: molecular, atomic, fluorescence and mass spectroscopy. A fifth category, called “other,” covers smaller groups, such as flame photometry, and Mossbauer, ion mobility and electron spectroscopies.

The report estimates the size of each type of spectroscopy market and forecasts the growth of each over a period from 2005 to 2010. An examination of the factors affecting each market segment and predictions of how the markets may change are covered.

Mass spectroscopy leads the way, with a total market share of about $1.3 billion in 2005 and an average annual growth rate of almost 9 percent projected through 2010, resulting in a $2 billion market share. This market includes regular mass spectroscopy along with chromatography (gas or liquid) and gas and liquid combinations sometimes called “hyphenated” spectroscopy.

Molecular spectroscopy, which includes IR, UV, Raman, and nuclear and electron spin resonance instruments, was estimated at about $1.2 billion in 2005, with a projected annual growth rate of 7.3 percent through 2010.

Atomic spectroscopy, consisting of x-ray, arc/spark and plasma devices, accounted for a market of about $942 million in 2005 and is expected to grow at about 6.6 percent per year through 2010.

The fluorescence spectroscopy market was valued at $135 million last year and is expected to realize a growth rate of 7.6 percent annually through 2010.

The “other” category was relatively small last year — $35 million — but is forecast to grow 6.5 percent annually to $48 million in 2010.

It is estimated that the total US market exceeded $3.6 billion in 2005 and will grow at an average rate of 7.7 percent per year through 2010, when it is forecast to achieve sales of more than $5.2 billion.

Spectroscopy markets are broken down and discussed by application (biotechnology, environmental, food and beverage, industrial chemistry, material and pharmaceutical) and by type of spectroscopic analysis (bulk, mixture, surface and spectroscopic microanalysis).

Also included are regulations governing the use of spectroscopic instruments as well as a list of companies in the industry. Although the report emphasizes the US market, international aspects of the industry are explored, including major foreign-owned suppliers operating in the US, and imports and exports.

The 200-page report is available for $4250 from the Web site www.bccresearch.com.