Market Trends of Europe Cargo And Vehicle Screening Industry
Mobile Screening Devices to Witness Substantial Growth in Demand
- Mobile screening machines are crucial in uncovering and preventing illicit activities, from smuggling to terrorism and human trafficking. These devices are adept at scanning large items like shipping containers and vehicles, swiftly uncovering hidden contraband, weapons, or explosives. Among the various screening methods, X-ray technology stands out as particularly effective, with many vendors actively adopting and refining it.
- Several vendors in Europe provide mobile screening devices. One notable example is Westminster Group's Mobile Cargo and Container X-Ray Scanning System. This cutting-edge system, equipped with dual-energy X-ray technology, stands out in the region for its ability to swiftly verify cargo against manifest documentation. It's designed to detect various items, from contraband and explosives to narcotics and weapons.
- Recent years have seen a rise in drug trafficking and smuggling across various European nations. In 2023, Denmark, as reported by Statistics Denmark, recorded 1,589 cases of drug trafficking or smuggling, up from 1,332 in 2022. With advanced mobile screening systems utilizing technologies like explosive trace detection (ETD) and visual inspection to pinpoint a variety of explosives and illegal narcotics, the trend is expected to boost their adoption in the coming years.
- CSIS reports showed that the cocaine market's growth in Europe has led to a notable rise in homicides, kidnappings, and intimidation. In Antwerp, for example, there have been around 200 reported instances of drug-related violence in the last five years as rival gangs compete for control. The French Ministry of the Interior notes a fivefold surge in cocaine seizures over the past decade. This uptick in illicit drug trafficking is poised to boost the demand for mobile screening solutions.
- Moreover, market vendors are actively investing in product innovations, bolstering the sector's growth. For example, in March 2023, Smiths Detection, a UK-based specialist in threat detection and security screening, launched its latest product, the Lightweight Chemical Detector (LCD) 4, and its extension, the LCD XID. This unveiling marks a significant leap in the LCD's capabilities, which are now able to detect a wide range of threats, from street narcotics to explosives and pharmaceuticals. Notably, it can also function as a robust mobile trace detector, which is ideal for CBRNe scenarios.
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United Kingdom to Hold a Significant Market Share
- The United Kingdom is anticipated to remain among the European region's prominent markets for cargo and screening systems. The presence of a larger freight and logistics industry in the country is a major factor supporting the market's growth, as it drives a significant amount of cargo and vehicles into the country.
- For example, in 2023, the UK Office of National Statistics reported that the total annual imports of goods and services reached GBP 895.6 billion (approximately USD 1,147.1 billion), with exports totaling GBP 842.6 billion (about USD 1,042.2 billion). The organization noted a decrease in the total value of imports, contrasted with a rise in the value of exports.
- The United Kingdom also has a broader base of businesses involved in import and export activities. Although the numbers have declined recently, they remain among the highest in Europe. For instance, according to the data by the Gov.UK, in 2023, the total number of businesses named on a Customs declaration in the United Kingdom in the UK stood at 350,107, of which about 115,989 businesses were moving goods to or from both EU and non-EU countries.
- Furthermore, in recent years, the United Kingdom has witnessed significant growth in the number of illegal activities, especially in terms of drugs and narcotics. For example, in February 2024, the National Crime Agency and Border Force conducted the largest seizure of class A drugs in the UK's history. A staggering 5.7 tonnes of cocaine were discovered in a container at Southampton Port. Hence, such trends are anticipated to drive investment in advanced screening and security solutions, creating a conducive environment for the studied market's growth in the country.
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