PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1880675
PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1880675
The global 2D barcode reader market continues to expand rapidly as industries worldwide adopt automation, digital tracking, and smart warehousing technologies. According to industry data, the market was valued at USD 7.97 billion in 2024, supported by strong demand from e-commerce, retail, healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing sectors. This growth momentum is expected to continue, with the market projected to reach USD 8.44 billion in 2025. By 2032, the industry is forecast to grow to USD 13.73 billion, reflecting the rising adoption of advanced scanning systems across industrial and commercial environments.
Market Insights and Growth Drivers
A 2D barcode reader is a sophisticated device designed to decode information-rich 2D barcodes, which store data both horizontally and vertically. Unlike traditional 1D barcodes, 2D codes can embed text, URLs, images, and large data sets, making them vital tools for modern tracking, automation, and retail systems.
In 2024, Asia Pacific held a dominant 40.02% share of the global market. The region's strong industrial base, rapid expansion of retail and e-commerce, and accelerating adoption of smart warehousing technologies have strengthened its leading position. Countries such as China, Japan, India, and South Korea continue to invest heavily in automation, driving demand for high-precision scanning solutions.
The global rise of omnichannel retailing and contactless operations has notably accelerated the adoption of 2D barcode readers between 2024 and 2025. According to GS1 US, approximately 90% of major retailers integrated barcode systems into their inventory and sales operations during this period, reflecting the growing need for real-time inventory visibility, automated stock management, and faster checkout systems.
Impact of Technological Advancements
Generative AI is reshaping barcode scanning capabilities by improving accuracy, decoding speeds, and the ability to read damaged or distorted barcodes. AI-enabled scanners-such as Cognex VisionPro and Zebra's SmartLens-use machine learning algorithms to continually improve performance, making them essential for high-intensity operational environments.
By 2025, advancements in AI-driven scanning technology are expected to significantly contribute to the market value projected for 2032 (USD 13.73 billion). Similarly, the increasing integration of barcode technology with mobile devices is creating new opportunities across retail, logistics, and field service industries. Mobile scanning apps offer cost-effective, accessible alternatives for barcode reading, accelerating digital adoption across small and medium enterprises.
Market Challenges
Despite strong demand, compatibility issues with legacy systems continue to slow adoption in certain sectors. Many organizations rely on outdated IT infrastructures that require costly upgrades to support modern 2D scanning systems. This integration gap remains one of the primary restraints for the 2D barcode reader market.
Additionally, the effects of reciprocal tariffs have increased raw material costs and disrupted supply chains. To offset these expenses, manufacturers are accelerating automation adoption and enhancing operational efficiency through advanced scanning technology.
Segmentation Overview
In 2024, the POS (Point of Sale) segment led the market, driven by rapid adoption among supermarkets, convenience stores, and retail chains. The increasing use of self-service kiosks and cashier-less checkout systems further adds to the segment's dominance.
The handheld product type segment accounted for the largest share in 2024, owing to versatility and ease of use across warehouses, logistics hubs, and retail environments. Meanwhile, laser-based technology dominated the market due to its ruggedness and ability to read various barcode types. However, image-based readers are expected to witness the strongest growth through 2032, supported by AI-driven innovations and enhanced imaging resolution.
The retail and e-commerce industry remained the leading end-use segment in 2024, reflecting the rise of online shopping, automated fulfillment centers, and omnichannel retail networks.
Asia Pacific dominated in 2024 with strong e-commerce growth, increasing automated warehouse setups, and rising technological investments. North America continued to grow rapidly due to digital transformation across logistics and healthcare, while Europe remained a key adopter of Industry 4.0 principles, driving strong demand for automated scanning systems.
Conclusion
The 2D barcode reader market, valued at USD 7.97 billion in 2024, is entering a period of strong technological and commercial expansion. With its value rising to USD 8.44 billion in 2025 and projected to reach USD 13.73 billion by 2032, the industry remains crucial for global automation, supply chain digitization, and next-generation retail systems.
Segmentation By Application
By Product Type
By Technology
By End-Use Industry
By Region
Companies Profiled in the Report Casio Computer Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Cognex Corp. (U.S.)
Datalogic S.p.A. (Italy)
Denso Wave Inc. (Japan)
Honeywell International, Inc. (U.S.)
Omron Microscan Systems, Inc. (U.S.)
Zebra Technologies Corp. (U.S.)
Keyence Corp. (Japan)
Juniper Systems Inc. (U.S.)
Opticon Inc. (U.S.)