Needles Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product Type (Safety Needles, Conventional Needles, Pen Needles, Suture Needles, Blood Collection Needles, Spinal Needles, Others), By Application (Drug Delivery, Vaccination, Blood Collection, Surgical Procedures, Others), By End-User (Hospitals & Clinics, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Diagnostic Centers, Home Healthcare Settings, Others) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2025-2033

Needles Market Size

The global needles market size was valued at USD 7.32 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 7.86 billion in 2025 to USD 13.12 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period (2025–2033).

The global needles market is experiencing steady growth due to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, rising demand for vaccinations, and the expansion of healthcare infrastructure globally. An ageing population and increasing incidences of diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular conditions have accelerated the use of needles in diagnostic and treatment procedures. Technological advancements, such as safety-engineered and retractable needles, also contribute to market expansion by reducing the risk of needlestick injuries.

Furthermore, the growth in minimally invasive procedures has increased the adoption of fine needles and biopsy needles. Trends such as self-administration of drugs, especially insulin, are encouraging the use of pen needles and intravenous injection needles. The World Health Organisation's emphasis on global immunisation programs and national health campaigns, especially in developing regions, is increasing the frequency of injections administered, thereby expanding the market. Additionally, sustainability initiatives and developing eco-friendly needle materials are gaining traction as manufacturers respond to environmental concerns and healthcare waste regulations.

Needles Market Trend

Rise in safety-engineered and retractable needles

One of the most significant trends in the market for needles is the shift toward safety-engineered and retractable needles. Healthcare worker safety has come under increased scrutiny due to rising cases of needlestick injuries, which, according to the WHO, result in over 2 million exposures annually to bloodborne pathogens. Regulatory bodies like OSHA in the U.S. and the EU’s Council Directive 2010/32/EU have mandated the use of safer needle devices to combat this. Companies are responding by innovating needle designs that retract after use or feature protective shields.

• For instance, in March 2025, Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD)announced an expansion of its Integra™ retractable syringe needle portfolio designed to enhance healthcare worker safety by minimising needlestick injuries. This product line is gaining adoption in hospitals and vaccination centers globally.

Moreover, rising vaccination programs globally have prompted the adoption of auto-disable and retractable needles in low-resource settings, further amplifying this trend. The demand for such advanced products will likely escalate as awareness and regulations strengthen across emerging markets.

Needles Market Driving Factors

Growth in chronic disease prevalence and vaccination programs

The global needles market is significantly propelled by the growing prevalence of chronic diseases and the intensification of immunization efforts worldwide. Most diabetic patients require frequent insulin injections administered via needles or pen devices, maintaining strong demand for high-quality injection needles. Moreover, the increasing incidence of cancer has escalated the need for specialized biopsy and chemotherapy needles critical for diagnosis and treatment. Vaccination programs also remain a key growth driver. Initiatives like the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, continue to support large-scale immunization drives, especially across Africa and Southeast Asia, demanding vast quantities of disposable needles.

• For instance, the UNICEF Supply Division reported procuring over 1.6 billion syringes and needles in 2024 to support COVID-19 vaccination campaigns and routine immunizations globally, underscoring the enormous scale of needle usage in public health.

Additionally, the rise in self-administration of biologic therapies, including monoclonal antibodies and hormone treatments, increases demand for safer, finer, and more comfortable needle systems designed for home use. These converging health trends ensure a steady expansion in needle consumption, fueling sustained market growth.

Market Restraining Factors

Risk of needle reuse and improper waste disposal

Despite market growth, the improper disposal and reuse of needles remain a significant restraint, particularly in developing countries. According to the WHO 2024 update, over 16 billion injections are administered yearly, but not all syringes and needles are properly disposed of. This increases the risk of cross-contamination and the spread of infections such as HIV, hepatitis B, and C. Reuse of needles is still reported in low-resource medical facilities where adequate supplies and training are lacking.

The World Bank’s 2025 Global Health Security report highlighted that over 30% of public health clinics in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South Asia report reuse of injection equipment at least occasionally, primarily due to cost constraints. Moreover, disposal of medical sharps without incineration or proper containment contributes to healthcare-related environmental pollution. While manufacturers are innovating safer and eco-friendly designs, widespread education, regulation enforcement, and infrastructure development are required to mitigate this restraint. Without these, the improper use and disposal of needles could jeopardize public health and stall market expansion.

Market Opportunity

Expansion of biologics and personalized injectable therapies

A significant opportunity for the needles market lies in the expansion of biologics and personalized injectable drug therapies. Biologics, including monoclonal antibodies, hormone therapies, and vaccines, are increasingly administered via subcutaneous or intramuscular injections, creating steady demand for advanced needle types such as fine-gauge and coated hypodermic needles. Pharmaceutical companies are developing patient-friendly injectable formats, including prefilled syringes and autoinjectors that utilize precision-engineered needles for better pain management and dose accuracy.

• For example, Novo Nordisk expanded its FlexTouch® insulin pen needle portfolio in February 2025 with ultra-thin pen needles engineered for enhanced patient comfort and compliance in self-administration of biologics at home. This launch targets the growing market for personalized injectable therapies in diabetes care.

Moreover, as cell and gene therapies gain traction and move from clinical trials to commercial use, they require high-precision injection tools for targeted delivery. This need is especially prominent in oncology and rare disease treatment. Combined with the rise of at-home drug delivery and telehealth services, this personalized treatment model represents a large-scale opportunity for needle manufacturers to co-develop drug-device combination products with pharmaceutical firms.

Regional Insights 

North America holds the largest share of the global needles market, driven by advanced healthcare infrastructure, high healthcare expenditure, and the presence of major market players. The region's growth is further supported by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the rising demand for safety-engineered devices. Moreover, the strong presence of leading manufacturers such as Becton, Dickinson and Company and Cardinal Health, and significant R&D investments ensure continuous innovation in needle technologies. The region also benefits from the growing demand for home healthcare and self-injection devices, particularly for diabetes and autoimmune conditions. Additionally, robust regulatory frameworks from bodies such as the FDA ensure strict compliance with safety standards, further boosting adoption.

U.S. Needles Market Trends

• The U.S. is the largest market for needles globally, owing to its advanced healthcare system, high prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, and the presence of key market players. The country has a high adoption rate of innovative healthcare technologies, including safety-engineered needles that help prevent needlestick injuries. Regulatory agencies like the FDA have stringent guidelines promoting safety and efficacy, driving continuous product upgrades. Expanding immunization programs, including seasonal flu shots and COVID-19 booster campaigns, fuel demand across clinical and non-clinical settings.
• Canada's needles industry is growing steadily, supported by a well-established universal healthcare system and government initiatives emphasizing patient safety and infection control. The country has witnessed increasing demand for safety-engineered devices in both hospital and home care settings, driven by rising chronic illness rates such as diabetes and cancer. The government’s regulatory oversight through Health Canada ensures that high-quality and safe products dominate the market. Additionally, Canadian hospitals invest in medical automation and training, creating demand for more ergonomic, easy-to-use needle designs.

Asia-Pacific Needles Market Trends

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the global needles market, driven by large populations, increasing healthcare access, and the rising incidence of chronic diseases. Countries like China and India are witnessing expanding healthcare infrastructures, higher health spending, and greater government focus on immunization programs. The rapid rise in diabetes cases across the region also boosts needle demand. Additionally, the area is experiencing a surge in minimally invasive surgical procedures, necessitating a higher volume of fine surgical needles. Medical tourism in countries like Thailand and India is further accelerating demand for high-quality medical supplies. Collaborations between domestic manufacturers and international players facilitate technology transfers, enhancing the quality and safety of needle products. With supportive government policies and rapid economic development, Asia-Pacific is poised to be the powerhouse of market growth.

• China’s needles market is expanding rapidly due to a vast population, growing healthcare expenditure, and significant public health initiatives. The government's commitment to improving healthcare access through the “Healthy China 2030” plan has led to a surge in hospital construction and the upgrading of primary care services. Rising chronic disease rates, particularly diabetes and hypertension, are further boosting the market for therapeutic needles and self-injection devices. The Chinese government is also implementing stricter regulatory oversight to enhance safety and reduce cross-contamination, creating opportunities for higher-grade, safety-engineered needles in rural and urban healthcare settings.
• India is emerging as one of the most promising markets for needles, thanks to its growing healthcare sector, expanding population, and increasing awareness of infection control. Government-led immunization programs, such as Mission Indradhanush and the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), are major drivers of demand. The rapid rise in lifestyle-related diseases like diabetes has created a growing need for daily-use injection devices, especially in urban centers. Regulatory reforms under the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) are gradually aligning Indian standards with global benchmarks, improving product quality and boosting international confidence in Indian-made medical devices.

Europe Needles Market Trends

Europe is a significant market for needles, backed by stringent safety regulations, government healthcare initiatives, and growing chronic disease burdens. Countries such as Germany, France, and the U.K. have robust public health systems that facilitate high-volume procurement of medical supplies, including needles. The European Union’s Sharps Directive (2010/32/EU) mandates the use of safety-engineered needles across healthcare settings, which has significantly driven safety needle adoption. Rising healthcare expenditure and the emphasis on early diagnosis and treatment support using diagnostic and surgical needles. The focus on cross-border healthcare coordination and public-private partnerships further supports the efficient supply and regulation of high-quality needle products. With well-established healthcare policies, strong pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity, and a growing focus on patient safety, Europe remains a strong contributor to global market expansion.

• The UK has witnessed significant growth in the market, largely driven by the National Health Service's (NHS) initiatives to enhance patient safety and reduce needlestick injuries. The country has established procurement standards with a strong public healthcare system that favors safety-engineered and innovative needle technologies. A growing geriatric population and a steady rise in chronic diseases like arthritis and multiple sclerosis are increasing the requirement for injectable therapies. The emphasis on surgical efficiency and infection control within NHS hospitals also promotes the use of prefilled syringes and disposable needles.
• Germany is a key market in Europe for needles, characterized by a highly organized and well-funded healthcare system. The country emphasizes safety in medical practices, adhering to EU regulations requiring the use of safety-engineered needles in healthcare environments. Germany has a large aging population, leading to an increase in chronic diseases and thereby boosting the demand for injectable therapies. Hospitals and outpatient clinics are increasingly adopting needle devices that reduce the risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens. Germany's strong medical device manufacturing base also ensures a robust supply of high-quality needle products for domestic use and export.

Product Type Insights

Safety needles are leading the market due to their ability to prevent needlestick injuries, which are a significant concern for healthcare workers. The increasing awareness about occupational hazards and stringent regulations mandating the use of safety-engineered devices has propelled the adoption of safety needles. Safety needles have protective mechanisms such as sheaths or retractable systems, significantly reducing exposure risks. Major healthcare providers increasingly incorporate these devices into routine care to comply with infection control standards. Technological advancements such as auto-disable and passive safety needles also contribute to ease of use and higher compliance, especially in vaccination drives.

Application Insights

The drug delivery segment dominates the application category, attributed to the rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer, which require regular administration of medications via injections. The convenience and efficiency of needle-based drug delivery systems have made them a preferred choice in healthcare settings. Furthermore, advancements in biologics and the increasing number of injectable drugs in the pipeline are expected to boost this segment's growth. Prefilled syringes and pen injectors have driven innovation in this segment, enhancing patient adherence and convenience. This segment is expected to maintain its lead as self-administration grows in home settings, particularly in developed economies.

End User Insights

Hospitals and clinics are the primary end-users of needles, accounting for the largest market share. The high patient footfall, availability of skilled healthcare professionals, and the presence of advanced infrastructure contribute to the dominance of this segment. Additionally, the increasing number of surgical procedures and the growing demand for minimally invasive treatments in hospital settings further drive the usage of various types of needles. Hospitals also maintain high infection control standards, necessitating frequent procurement of sterile and safety-compliant needles. Government-funded health schemes and insurance coverage for hospital-based treatments in regions such as Europe and Asia-Pacific further support the segment’s growth.

Company Market Share

The global market for needles is highly competitive, with several key players focusing on product innovation, strategic partnerships, and mergers & acquisitions to strengthen their market position. Companies are investing in research and development to introduce advanced needles with enhanced safety features and improved patient comfort. The market is characterized by established players and emerging companies striving to capture a significant share.

Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD): Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) is a leading player in the needles market, offering a comprehensive range of products, including safety-engineered needles, pen needles, and conventional needles. The company's strong focus on innovation and commitment to enhancing healthcare worker safety have solidified its market position. BD's extensive distribution network and strategic collaborations have enabled it to maintain a global market share.

Recent Development:

• In May 2024, BD announced the launch of a new line of ultra-fine pen needles designed to improve patient comfort during insulin administration. These needles feature advanced technology to reduce pain and enhance drug delivery efficiency, reflecting BD's commitment to addressing patient needs and advancing diabetes care.

Recent Developments

• July 2024- Embecta, the world's largest producer of disposable insulin pen needles and syringes, is considering a potential sale due to declining profits and a significant drop in share price since its spin-off from Becton Dickinson in 2022. The company has enlisted Centerview Partners as advisers for the possible sale.