Analysis of the Current State of the Medical Film Industry: Market Growth and Technological Innovation

I. Introduction

Medical thermal dry image film serve as the core medium for diagnostic imaging in the healthcare sector, playing an irreplaceable role. With advances in medical technology and the rapid development of digital healthcare, the Medical thermal dry image film industry is undergoing a transformation from traditional to modern practices. This paper comprehensively analyzes the current status and challenges of the Medical thermal dry image film industry from perspectives including market size, technological development, market competition, policy impacts, and future trends.

II. Industry Market Size and Growth Trends

1. Steady Market Growth

According to the latest 2024 data, China's Medical thermal dry image film market has reached approximately RMB 6.778 billion, marking sustained growth from RMB 6.653 billion in 2023. Although some projections indicate a slight decline by 2030 (e.g., RMB 6.015 billion), the overall market remains relatively stable. This growth is primarily driven by the following factors:

(1) Expanding Healthcare Demand: Accelerating population aging, rising numbers of chronic disease patients, and heightened public health awareness are driving sustained growth in medical imaging examination needs.

(2) Technological Advancements: The widespread adoption of medical imaging equipment (such as CT, MRI, and DR systems) has led to a surge in demand for imaging outputs.

(3) Accelerated Domestic Substitution: Domestic manufacturers are gradually replacing imported products through technological breakthroughs, reducing procurement costs and expanding market coverage.

2. Production and Demand Analysis

In 2023, China's Medical thermal dry image film industry produced 647 million sheets, while demand reached 784 million sheets. This demand gap indicates continued market growth potential. Demand is projected to continue climbing as medical imaging examinations become more widespread. For instance, data from Zhuoshi Consulting indicates that medical imaging scans will reach 4.313 billion by 2030, significantly higher than the 2.933 billion recorded in 2021, further bolstering film demand.

3. Price Decline and Cost Optimization

Medical thermal dry image film prices have shown a significant downward trend in recent years. The average price per sheet dropped from 13.3 yuan in 2016 to 8.52 yuan in 2023, representing a 36% decrease. This shift primarily stems from:

(1) Technological Advancements: The adoption of dry films (laser and thermal) has reduced production costs.

(2) Domestic Substitution: Increased numbers of domestic suppliers and intensified market competition have driven prices downward.

(3) Centralized Procurement Policies: Medical institutions have reduced procurement costs through centralized purchasing, further compressing profit margins.

III. Technological Innovation and Product Iteration

1. Dry Films Completely Replace Wet Films

Traditional wet films (requiring chemical processing solutions) have been fully replaced by dry films due to their low efficiency and significant environmental concerns. Dry films are categorized into laser films and thermal films:

(1) Laser Films: Offer high imaging clarity, suitable for high-precision examinations like CT and MRI, but carry higher costs.

(2) Thermal Film: Offers rapid imaging and low cost, widely used for routine examinations like DR and CR.

Both share the common feature of eliminating darkroom processing, enabling direct printing output and significantly enhancing medical efficiency.

2. Limitations of Inkjet Film

Although inkjet film finds limited application in ultrasound and gastrointestinal endoscopy due to its low cost and rich color reproduction, its susceptibility to image fading and insufficient resolution prevent inclusion in the clinical diagnosis category of the Medical Device Classification Catalog. It remains confined to auxiliary uses with limited scope for technological advancement.

3. Impact of Digitalization Trends

The rise of cloud films (electronic films) challenges traditional physical films. Cloud films store imaging data in the cloud, enabling remote access with advantages of low cost and convenient transmission. However, their adoption faces constraints from privacy protection, data security, and medical regulations, making complete replacement of physical films unlikely in the short term.

IV. Market Competition Landscape and Corporate Dynamics

1. Accelerated Domestic Substitution, Declining Imported Brand Share

The early market was dominated by international giants like Kodak Medical (now Carestream Health) and Fujifilm. However, domestic manufacturers such as BlueRhythm Imaging, Mindray Medical, and Wando Medical have gradually captured market share through technological breakthroughs in recent years. For example:

(1) Carestream Health: Maintains its position in the high-end market leveraging laser film technology advantages;

(2) Lanyun Imaging: Rapidly increasing penetration in primary healthcare institutions through the cost-effectiveness of its thermal film;

(3) Mindray Medical: Integrating imaging equipment and consumables to form a unified “equipment + film” solution.

2. Rising Concentration and Regional Competition

Market share continues to consolidate among leading companies through economies of scale, technological barriers, and channel advantages. In 2023, the top five manufacturers collectively held over 60% market share. Regional competition exhibits distinct patterns:

(1) Tier-1 Cities: Premium hospitals favor imported brands;

(2) Primary Markets: Domestic manufacturers dominate with price competitiveness.

3. Expansion of Export Markets

Domestic Medical thermal dry image film have seen fluctuating export growth driven by their cost-effectiveness. Emerging markets like Southeast Asia and the Middle East have become key growth drivers, though manufacturers must navigate technical patent barriers from international brands and trade policy risks.