Global Pediatric Imaging Market Assessment, By Modality [Ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computed Tomography, X-Ray, Others], By Application [Oncology, Cardiology, Orthopedics, Gastroenterology, Neurology, Others], By End-user [Hospitals, Diagnost

Global pediatric imaging market is projected to witness a CAGR of 8.17% during the forecast period 2025-2032, growing from USD 10.51 billion in 2024 to USD 19.69 billion in 2032. The market’s growth can be attributed to the rising incidences of cancer among other chronic conditions in the pediatric population across the globe, increasing number of premature births, and growing investments in pediatric hospitals. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) estimates that 303,000 newborns die every year due to congenital anomalies in the first four weeks of their life.

The market’s growth is also bolstered by the rising emphasis on early and accurate diagnosis of pediatric conditions and increasing awareness of pediatric healthcare. Additionally, integrating artificial intelligence-driven diagnostics, portable imaging devices, and image-guided therapy in healthcare further propels the market’s expansion. Meanwhile, various governments are also working on different initiatives to establish specialized diagnostic centers and improve the quality of pediatric healthcare services.

Rising Incidences of Chronic Pediatric Conditions Boost Market Demand

The increase in the cases of conditions such as congenital anomalies, asthma, epilepsy, and cancer among pediatric patients is propelling the demand for advanced imaging solutions. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 400,000 children and adolescents develop cancer every year. Early disease detection is crucial for detecting functional and structural abnormalities, adopting new treatment plans, and monitoring the progression of the disease. Thus, various pediatric departments are expanding their services and adopting safer, time-efficient, child-friendly imaging solutions. Furthermore, due to increasing admissions in neonatal intensive care units because of the rise in the number of preterm births and birth defects, the requirement for neonatal imaging solutions is also increasing.

Increasing Investments in Children’s Hospitals Support Market Expansion

The rising efforts to bolster the modernization and expansion of pediatric hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers across different countries are propelling the market’s expansion. Healthcare institutions and governments are investing in advanced imaging technologies and diagnostic suites that are equipped with pediatric-specific technologies and kid-friendly imaging protocols. Different portable and mobile imaging solutions are also gaining popularity in hospitals due to their convenient nature and the ease of use associated with their utilization. Meanwhile, pediatric departments across different hospitals are also being provided with dedicated imaging rooms equipped with advanced solutions, ambient lighting, and visual distractions to increase the comfort levels of pediatric patients. Additionally, leading pediatric hospitals across the globe are also focusing on expanding their operations. For instance, in December 2024, Nemours Children's Hospital invested USD 300 million in Central Florida to meet the evolving requirements of pediatric care. The investment is expected to increase the space for the hospital’s imaging department and support the addition of observation rooms and new inpatient beds.

Ultrasound Segment is Expected to Witness Rapid Growth

The rapid growth of the ultrasound segment over the forecast period can be attributed to the non-invasive and economic nature of ultrasounds. It evaluates abdominal organs, musculoskeletal injuries, and cranial structures in neonates. Technological improvements in handheld and point-of-care ultrasound devices are bolstering their utilization, particularly in emergency departments and outpatient wards. Modern pediatric ultrasound systems now boast enhanced resolution and portable designs, allowing even more efficient diagnosis in all care settings. The increasing use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in pediatric patients is another emerging trend as it provides better visualization of organs and vascular structures without compromising patients with radiation exposure. Thus, leading market players are focusing on launching new ultrasound devices to enhance pediatric care and expand their market presence. For instance, in December 2024, Samsung Medison Co., Ltd., showcased an expanded portfolio of advanced medical imaging solutions focusing on cardiac and pediatric care at the 2024 Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) conference. The key highlights included the debut of the TA2-9 pediatric cardiac ultrasound probe, featuring a 42% smaller head for more precise diagnosis of congenital heart conditions, and the L3-22 neonatal probe, which enables comprehensive pediatric body scans without changing devices.

North America Holds Major Market Share

The market’s growth can be attributed to the region's rising incidence of pediatric cancer, strong healthcare infrastructure, and growing support for pediatric care by different countries. The presence of major imaging equipment manufacturers, reputed pediatric hospitals, and high healthcare expenditure in the region further supports its dominance in the market. In addition, the market’s growth is further supported by initiatives under which federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) award grants to incentivize the development of pediatric imaging research and safety protocols. Moreover, leading pediatric hospitals across the country are also focusing on launching new pediatric imaging technologies to enhance patient care. For instance, in November 2024, researchers at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia developed CelloType. This AI-powered tool considerably enhances the identification and classification of cells in high-content tissue images. Using state-of-the-art spatial omics, CelloType allows for the precise analysis of highly complex tissue architectures, allowing researchers to study cellular interactions, tissue function, and mechanisms of disease with ease.

Impact of the U.S. Tariffs on Global Pediatric Imaging Market

The tariffs are disrupting the supply chains and resulting in increased costs of various components that are used at different stages of production, leading to delays and increased expenses in distribution and manufacturing, and impacting the availability of pediatric imaging devices across the globe. Leading market players estimate major losses due to tariffs. For instance, in May 2025, Koninklijke Philips N.V. cited a net impact from tariffs of between USD 283 million and USD 340 million.

In order to escape the tariffs, various leading Chinese radiology vendors are establishing research and development and manufacturing facilities in the United States, allowing them to maintain their competitive edge and ensure stability of the supply chain, while bypassing tariffs.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

The market's leading players are investing in new launches to improve productivity and patient experience for the pediatric population. For instance, in January 2024, Carestream Health, Inc. launched the new DRX-Excel Plus X-ray System to provide higher image quality, improved patient and user experience, and higher productivity and efficiency. The system is flexible for both general radiology and fluoroscopy and can deliver high-quality images in real time for a wide range of exams. The system also includes many functions, including automatic grid parking, which is extremely useful in pediatric and extremity exams. By addressing the unique requirements of pediatric imaging, the leading players of the market are expanding their geographical presence and market share.