The United States was the largest exporter with 20% of the world total, and the United States was the largest buyer.
What this market covers
Acoustic systems that detect, locate and map objects and the seabed under water. Buyers are navies, commercial shipping, offshore operators and survey firms.
Typical segments
- Hull mounted sonar
- Side scan and multibeam sonar
- Towed array sonar
- Fish finding sonar
- Diver detection sonar
Why this market is moving now
- World trade grew 14% from 2019 to 2024, a direct read on cross-border demand.
- China is gaining ground: its exports rose 100% from 2019 to 2024, the fastest among the ten largest exporters.
Key figures
Global figures for this market, with the year each one describes. Use Cite to copy a reference to this page.
| Figure | Value | Year | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| World exports of instruments and appliances used in geodesy, topography, hydrography, oceanography (HS 901580), the trade category that includes sonar system, were worth $5.34 billion in 2024. | 5.34 USD billion | 2024 | |
| World exports were 14% higher in 2024 than in 2019 ($4.68 billion), calculated from the annual totals. | +14 % since 2019 | 2024 | |
| The United States was the largest exporter in 2024, with 20% of world exports ($1.07 billion). | 20 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The three largest exporters, the United States, the United Kingdom and China, shipped 42% of world exports in 2024. | 42 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The United States was the largest importer in 2024, buying $722.4 million, or 14% of world imports. | 14 % of world imports | 2024 | |
| 81 countries exported more than $1 million of this product in 2024. | 81 countries | 2024 | |
| The average world export price was about $225.61 per kilogram in 2024, calculated from value and weight. | 225.61 USD per kg | 2024 | |
| Countries exported 23.7 thousand tonnes of this product in 2024. | 23.7 thousand tonnes | 2024 | |
| Among the ten largest exporters, China grew fastest, with exports up 100% from 2019 to 2024. | +100 % since 2019 | 2024 |
Calculated figures (shares, changes and prices per kilogram) are plain arithmetic on the reported values. Read how we work.
Buyers and suppliers
Who buys
- Navies and coast guards
- Offshore and survey companies
- Commercial vessel operators
Largest exporting countries, 2024
Largest importing countries, 2024
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the global market - 03Global market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Countries and regions
Demand, supply and trade by country and region - 05Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 06Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 07Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 08Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 09Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 10Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 11Method and assumptions
How every figure was built
Included with the full report
- PDF report, 40 to 60 pages
- Excel data pack
- Ready-to-use charts
- Method note and assumptions
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Frequently asked questions
How big is the global sonar system market?
There is no single official market total. World exports of HS 901580 reached $5.34 billion in 2024, a direct measure of cross-border trade.
Which countries export the most sonar system?
The United States led world exports in 2024 with 20% of the total, followed by the United Kingdom, China and Canada.
Which countries import the most sonar system?
The United States was the largest importer in 2024, followed by China, Singapore and the United Kingdom.
Is world trade in sonar system growing?
World exports were 14% higher in 2024 than in 2019.
What is the average export price of sonar system?
Dividing world export value by weight gives about $225.61 per kilogram in 2024.
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