ACUPUNCTURE NEEDLES MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2026 - 2033)

Global Acupuncture Needles Market Size and Forecast – 2026 to 2033

According to Coherent Market Insights, the global acupuncture needles market is estimated to be valued at USD 310.5 Mn in 2026 and is expected to reach USD 525.3 Mn by 2033, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% from 2026 to 2033. Technological advancements, such as the introduction of micro-needling and eco-friendly needles, are shaping the market, encouraging wider adoption in western countries. Furthermore, government initiatives promoting traditional therapies in Asia Pacific and growing health tourism contribute significantly to the expanding market landscape.

Key Takeaways of the Acupuncture Needles Market

• Stainless steel needles segment is expected to lead the acupuncture needles market, capturing a 46.8% share in 2026.
• Thin needles segment is estimated to represent 43.5% of the global acupuncture needles market share in 2026.
• Non-coated needles segment is projected to dominate with 64.5% of the market share in 2026.
• Asia Pacific is expected to lead the market, holding a share of 42.6% in 2026. North America is anticipated to be the fastest-growing region, with 31.4% share in 2026.

Market Overview

• Growing cases of lower back pain, arthritis, migraine, and musculoskeletal disorders are increasing patient dependence on regular acupuncture sessions. This directly pushes repeat purchase cycles of sterile disposable needles across clinics, rehab centers, and pain management setups.
• Consumers and healthcare providers are actively looking for alternatives to long-term medication use, especially for pain, stress, and sleep issues. Acupuncture benefits from this shift as a low-risk therapy, driving stable demand for professional-grade needles across both medical and wellness channels.
• Hospitals, physiotherapy networks, and rehabilitation centers are integrating acupuncture as part of broader treatment protocols. This increases institutional procurement of needles in bulk and strengthens demand for standardized needle specifications, consistent supply, and certified sterile packaging.

Current Events and Its Impact

Uncover macros and micros vetted on 75+ parameters: Get instant access to report

Segmental Insights

To learn more about this report, Download Free Sample

Why Do Stainless Steel Needles Dominate the Global Acupuncture Needles Market?

The stainless steel needles segment is expected to hold the largest share of 46.8% in 2026, due to their excellent mechanical properties, cost-effectiveness, and wide availability. The strength of stainless steel enables the manufacturers to come up with needles that are strong and flexible at the same time; this is something that is necessary in the process of effective treatment of acupuncture. The ability of this metal to withstand corrosion and wear means that needles are retained in their sharp and structural form during their use which directly affects patient comfort and treatment efficacy.

The next important reason why stainless steel needles are more preferred and used is the lower cost of production as compared to the alternatives such as gold or silver. Although precious metals such as gold and silver have some special conductive and therapeutic qualities, they are not as affordable as regular metals thus their utilization is restricted. The stainless steel can offer a middle ground, with both performance and cost being affordable to allow the population to receive acupuncture treatment more readily. Moreover, stainless steel is versatile, and manufacturers are able to make needles of different sizes and coating depending on the type of treatment and preferences.

For example, in October 2025, HUA TUO needles, a well-known Chinese brand with 160-year history, will enter the U.S. market, and provide premium, automated-quality needles made of surgical-grade steel with 160 years history, adding competition and demonstrating the demand of high-quality, sterile, and consistent supplies into the U.S. marketplace, according to. This action of this giant producer of Chinese needles will mark a significant growth and introduce quality production and modernization to the functionality of the U.S. practitioners.

Why are Thin Needles Widely Used in the Global Acupuncture Needles Market?

The thin needles segment is projected to dominate the market, accounting for 43.5% of the market share in 2026, due to their superiority in minimizing patient discomfort during treatment sessions. The feeling and pain threshold of the patient have a tremendous effect on adherence to the therapy and perception since acupuncture requires the insertion of needles at certain points of the body. The use of thin needles has a considerable benefit as it leads to limited tissue traumas and chances of bruising, soreness, and pain during the therapeutic process are minimized, and the whole process is as painless as possible.

Clinically, thin needles are easier to control and precise in their stimulation and this is crucial in the targeting of delicate or sensitive aspects of the body as is the case with the face or areas around the major blood vessels. Acupuncturists can be more confident in their fine gauge as it enables them to do complex treatments, which is common when using acupuncture on cosmetic or neurological conditions. Also, the application of thin needles is in line with the current trend of preventive and wellness therapies, in which greater comfort is mandatory when it comes to retaining patients and attracting repeat visits.

Non-Coated Needles Lead the Global Acupuncture Needles Market

In terms of coating, non-coated needles are expected to capture the highest share of 64.5% in 2026, because they provide a high level of hygiene and straightforward manufacturing advantages. These no-extra-coatings make the process of sterilization straightforward, thus making sure that the needles are brought to meet the high- quality medical-grade standards of cleanliness without the chance of leftover chemical or coating erosion. This aspect is essential in the clinical settings where the topic of infection control holds the highest priority, and health care providers can provide patients with a safe treatment room.

Also, uncoated needles usually cost less to make than silicone or plastic-coated needles. Acupuncture needles are usually disposable and single-use to avoid cross-contamination, so cost is a considerable determinant when making a buying choice.

Disposable vs Reusable Adoption Curve

• The market will definitely change towards the disposable needles as the hospitals, rehabs and chain clinics are seeking safer and quicker operations. Single-use sterile needles prevent infection, eliminate sterilization workload and provide predictable performance, an important factor on high-volume practice. An example of a positive correlation that is quite strong is pain clinics with individually packed disposable needles, where the level of hygiene trust is enhanced, the time of preparation is reduced, and the comfort of patients is improved because of their consistent sharpness and easier insertion.
• Reusable needles are still used in smaller clinics that are sensitive to costs and have limited waste disposal capabilities. The greatest issues are an increase in per-session disposable cost and packaging waste in the case of more than one needle size required. The most outstanding unmet requirement includes low-priced certified disposable choices, combined mix size value packs and low-waste sterile packaging. Clinic contracts can be secured with a long-term arrangement, a greater repeat purchase, and a better premium position when the brands fill these gaps.

Regional Insights

To learn more about this report, Download Free Sample

Asia Pacific Acupuncture Needles Market Analysis and Trends

The Asia Pacific region is projected to lead the market with a 42.6% in 2026, due to its deep-rooted cultural acceptance and widespread practice of traditional medicine, particularly acupuncture. China, Japan, South Korea are some of the countries that have developed robust market ecosystems backed by government policies that promote existing integrative medicine and enable acupuncture to be integrated into mainstream healthcare. The availability of many local manufacturers and suppliers, as well as strong distribution network, increases accessibility and reduces the costs in this region.

Also, governmental efforts, including Chinese Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) modernization programs and Japanese healthcare policies in support of alternative medicines contribute to the incremental market growth. Such well-known firms as DongBang Acupuncture Inc. (South Korea), Seirin Corporation (Japan) and Heilongjiang Fusen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (China) are significant as they contribute to the leadership of the region in the world market by raising the standards of needles design and high manufacturing.

For example, Seirin is an international standard brand of high precision disposable acupuncture needles and is reputed to be of constant quality in its manufacturing. The U.S. FDA MAUDE adverse event database reported an incident associated with a single-use acupuncture needle (product not recovered to be examined) in SEIRIN. This is significant in business because traceable lots with records that improve the visibility of MAUDE drive more distributor attention, and may hasten the preference of high-quality brands like consistently good in regulated markets, by practitioners.

(Source- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfmaude/detail.cfm?mdrfoi__id=22484536&pc=MQX&utm)

North America Acupuncture Needles Market Analysis and Trends

The North America region is expected to exhibit the fastest growth in the market contributing 31.4% share in 2026, driven by increasing consumer awareness of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), a rising incidence of chronic pain conditions, and growing acceptance of acupuncture by healthcare providers. Favorable regulatory environments also facilitate the region in that the FDA has established regulatory frameworks that are particularly focused on acupuncture needles and in this regard, the safety and trust in the acupuncture instruments can be promoted.

In addition, important players like Becton Dickinson and Company and Hwato USA have aimed at improving quality of products and increasing distribution channels in the hospitals, clinics, and wellness centers. The growing number of professional acupuncture associations and insurance companies that cover acupuncture treatments also exert pressure on the growth of demand. The dynamics of trade as imports of high-quality needles in Asia and exports of the same in the country provide a balanced and competitive environment.

Acupuncture Needles Market Outlook for Key Countries

What are the Current Trends Shaping China’s Acupuncture Needles Market?

The market of China keeps being ahead because of the historic and cultural connection to acupuncture and a high number of practitioners. The government support of traditional medicine, as well as a significant amount of investments in the field of research and development, promoted the innovation in the needle production.

Firms such as Heilongjiang Fusen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. are making contributions such as creating high precision needles that are suitable in the clinical and research setting. The standardization of the acupuncture devices through regulatory support is an assurance that the products are reliable and therefore, China is a major supplier and consumer at the same time on the world market.

How is Japan Helping in the Growth of Acupuncture Needles Market?

Japan is an important stakeholder and has an advanced healthcare system that caters to advanced and traditional treatment options. Japanese consumers are very accepting of acupuncture as a preventive and pain treatment which has been cultural integrated into their eastern medicine. One of the most popular manufacturers is Seirin Corporation that is famous by its innovative approach towards the needle technology with the focus on safety and comfort. The advocacy of integrative medicine as well as strictness in quality standards by the government has led to a reputable market scenario, whereby the quality acupuncture needles are being used.

Key Drivers for the Growth of U.S. Acupuncture Needles Market

Growing interest in alternative therapies and growing insurance reimbursement policies of acupuncture sessions characterize the U.S. market. Although the control bodies such as the FDA have tightened their belts, it gives the clinicians and patients confidence of the safety of products. The leading companies within the industry like Becton Dickinson have expanded their products to encompass acupuncture needles in which they use sophisticated materials to promote the user experience. Additionally, the growing base of licensed acupuncturists and broader acceptance in the mainstream healthcare sports are the underlying factors in the swift growth of the market.

Germany Acupuncture Needles Market Trends

The market in Germany is similar to other European markets which are increasingly interested in complementary and alternative medicine to treat chronic health conditions. Strict health requirements and regulations provide that acupuncture needles have to satisfy high standards of safety in order to become quality and reliable.

The availability is made possible by the domestic manufacturers and European distributors. Acupuncture should be acknowledged by healthcare providers and insurance companies, which increases its use. Businesses in this location are also very active towards liaising with the healthcare facilities to introduce acupuncture into the treatment procedures.

Regulatory and Certification Impact by Region

• The regulations have a powerful impact on the choice of acupuncture needles by the end users and the geographical variation is evident. Hospitals, rehab centers, and large chain clinics in North America and Europe prefer sterile single-use needles with good traceability and consistent quality, at increased prices. The U.S. pain clinics have provided a positive example that individually-packed silicone-coated needles are more comfortable to the patients and the processes are made easier to the practitioners, resulting in improved repeat visits. The demand in Asia Pacific is bigger and more varied with Japan and South Korea strongly inclined towards standardized quality certified procurement whilst some components of Southeast Asia continue with price-based purchase.
• Procurement friction and lack of consistency of supply is the most frequent grievance. Compliance paperwork and dependency on importers tend to slow down the development of European clinics, whereas smaller clinics of price-sensitive markets have difficulties in affording premium-certified products without reducing margins. The need that must be met is straightforward: certified needles that are affordable, have stable supply in the country, and that are better packaged, preserving their sterility but minimizing waste. Manufacturers providing product lines of varying tiers of compliance, quicker documentation service, and distribution reliability can enjoy better retention, institutional contract victories and faster growth than low-end trading brands.

Market Players, Key Developments, and Competitive Intelligence

To learn more about this report, Download Free Sample

Key Developments

• In March 2025, a Journal case report on medicine reported about an elderly patient with herpes zoster who had attained complete remission of lesions after undergoing four sessions of subcutaneous acupuncture, with no postherpetic neuralgia at 12 months follow-up. The report identifies the possible therapeutic benefits of subcutaneous acupuncture in the treatment of herpes zoster and prevention of neuropathic complications in the long-term.
• In January 2025, the U.S. FDA posted a warning letter to Robbins Instruments, LLC on the sale of the Dermo-Jet needle-less injector without necessary clearance (a 510(k) or PMA) by U.S. FDA. The device was marketed to medical applications such as acupuncture and this qualifies it as a controlled medical device in the U.S. FDA pointed to unapproved marketing, misbranding, and breach of quality systems, noting that even such devices as needle-less, or alternative therapies, have to receive the appropriate authorization and be commercialized prior to that. The move highlights the tough enforcing approach of U.S. FDA against acupuncture-associated and therapeutic medical equipment.
• In November 2023, Sutter Health, the Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, opened the first Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinical training program, where acupuncture is incorporated into the provision of hospital care, and staff members are being trained to integrate Eastern and Western methods, which is a big step towards personalized and holistic healthcare that integrates the traditional practices with modern medicine. The project enables in-hospital acupuncture practices, and medical practitioners are taught the basics of TCM with an intention of improving patient-centered care using integrative medicine.

Top Strategies Followed by Global Acupuncture Needles Market Players

Uncover macros and micros vetted on 75+ parameters: Get instant access to report

Market Report Scope

Acupuncture Needles Market Report Coverage

Acupuncture Needles Market Dynamics

To learn more about this report, Download Free Sample

Acupuncture Needles Market Driver - Rising Incidence of Back Muscle and Neck Pain Worldwide

The growth in the number of customers seeking acupuncture needles is largely driven by the rising rate of back muscle and neck pain in the world. Lack of exercise, excessive use of screens and bad posture have led to a rise in musculoskeletal disorders especially of the neck and the back area. Since alternative therapies like acupuncture are afforded more frequently as the traditional remedies are not always enough to provide long-term relief to patients, they are often seeking alternative therapies to manage their pain and enhance their mobility.

The fact that acupuncture allows addressing certain pressure points and triggering natural healing mechanisms makes it one of the options among people who prefer non-invasive and drug-free pain relief. The increasing acceptance and dependence on acupuncture to treat chronic musculoskeletal pain are conditions that raise the need of high-quality needles thus manufacturers are driven to innovate and pay attention to the safety of the needles. The ever-increasing weight of back and neck pain, therefore, will play a crucial role in determining the expansion of the use of acupuncture needles across the globe.

For example- Low back pain impacted 619 million people worldwide and it is projected that the cases will rise to 843 million cases by 2050, mainly due to the rise in the population and aging. low back pain is the top cause of disability in the world and the condition under which most of the people can gain by rehabilitation.

(Source- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/low-back-pain)

Acupuncture Needles Market Opportunity - Expansion of Acupuncture Adoption in Rehabilitation and Chronic Disease Management

The acupuncture needles market worldwide is set to achieve a lot due to the growing use of acupuncture in rehabilitation and the management of chronic diseases. With the world healthcare systems placing increased focus on integrative and complementary healthcare therapies, acupuncture has become recognized as an effective form of therapy in relation to management of pain, musculoskeletal forms of healthcare, and neurological recovery. Such a change is motivated by an increasing number of chronic diseases, including arthritis, stroke, or fibromyalgia, in which traditional treatment options are typically less effective or are associated with negative side effects.

Recent technological improvements in needle designs such as disposable needles, sterile needles, etc. make it safer and more comfortable to use thus promoting a wider clinical adoption and utilization. Concurrently, favorable policies and increased funding on research and validation of the therapeutic effects of acupuncture build confidence in the market among health care providers. The trend presents a massive growth potential to manufacturing and supplying companies in acupuncture needles industry as plants increase their acquisition of specialized needles based on different therapeutic requirements in the rehabilitation and chronic disease settings.

For example - Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) suggested to cover acupuncture of Medicare patients with the chronic low back pain and are part of the enrolled participants of clinical trials sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or of a CMS-approved study. Acupuncture is not covered by Medicare at the moment. CMS did evidence reviews to inform the present proposal, and the agency acknowledges that the evidence base regarding acupuncture has increased over recent years, but there are concerns.

(Source-https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-proposes-cover-acupuncture-chronic-low-back-pain-medicare-beneficiaries-enrolled-approved)

Analyst Opinion (Expert Opinion)

• The acupuncture needles business is expanding since the need is becoming increasingly clinical as well as standardized. The lack of pain management, musculoskeletal diseases, and the programs of integrative care are maintaining the volume of procedures high, whereas stricter hygiene requirements are propelling the transition toward sterile and single-use needles in hospitals and organized clinic chains. Regulatory support is also emerging as a silent power engine, and Global Traditional Medicine Strategy by WHO is driven to integrate safer and evidence-based traditional medicine into health systems, where it enhances institutional acceptance over a period.
• The innovation is in the high-performance at scale, which includes the regular sharpness, smoother insertion finishes, enhanced packaging, and traceability attributes that lessen the purchasing strain. The key problem is that the market remains divided between the consumers with premium certification and those with cost-thinking, and it imposes pressure on the suppliers to provide a reliable quality without forcing the clinics to charge the customers the premium price in order to perform the common practice.

Market Segmentation

• Product Type Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2021 - 2033)
  • Stainless Steel Needles
  • Gold Needles
  • Silver Needles
  • Other Materials (e.g., copper, titanium)
• Needle Size Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2021 - 2033)
  • Thin Needles
  • Medium Needles
  • Thick Needles
• Coating Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2021 - 2033)
  • Non-Coated Needles
  • Coated Needles (e.g., silicone-coated, plastic-coated)
• Design Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2021 - 2033)
  • Manual Needles
  • Spring-Loaded Needles
  • Electro-Acupuncture Needles
• Application Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2021 - 2033)
  • Traditional Acupuncture
  • Electro-Acupuncture
  • Auricular Acupuncture
  • Acupressure
  • Cosmetic Acupuncture
• End User Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2021 - 2033)
  • Hospitals
  • Acupuncture Clinics
  • Home Care Settings
  • Wellness Centers
  • Pain Management Centers
• Distribution Channel Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2021 - 2033)
  • Online
  • Offline
• Regional Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2021 - 2033)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East
    • GCC Countries
    • Israel
    • Rest of Middle East
  • Africa
    • South Africa
    • North Africa
    • Central Africa
• Key Players Insights
  • Seirin Corporation
  • Suzhou Hualun Medical Appliance Co Ltd
  • Boen Healthcare Co Ltd
  • 3B Scientific GmbH
  • AcuMedic Ltd
  • Acu‑International Supplies Inc
  • asia‑med GmbH
  • Coghlin Companies Inc
  • Shinylink (Shanghai) Industrial Inc
  • Wuxi Jiajian Medical Instruments Co Ltd
  • DongBang Medical Co Ltd
  • Suzhou Zhongjing Life and Science Technology Co Ltd
  • Wujiang Jiachen Acupuncture Products Co Ltd
  • Empecs Medical Co Ltd
  • Cloud and Dragon Medical Devices Co Ltd

Sources:

Primary Research Interviews

Industry Stakeholders

• Manufacturers quality heads
• Sterilization service providers
• Packaging suppliers
• Regulatory compliance consultants
• Importers and exporters
• Wholesale distributors

End Users

• Licensed Acupuncturists (Private practice)
• Hospital Integrative Medicine Departments
• Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centers
• Pain Management Clinics
• Sports Medicine and Performance Recovery Clinics
• Traditional Medicine Clinics (TCM/Kampo/Korean Medicine)

Government and International Databases

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
• European Commission Medical Device framework resources
• China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA)
• Japan Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA)
• Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS)

Trade Publications

• MedTech Dive
• Medical Device Network
• Drug Delivery Business News
• MD+DI (Medical Device and Diagnostic Industry)
• European Pharmaceutical Review
• The Healthcare Packaging Magazine

Academic Journals

• BMJ
• JAMA Network
• The Lancet
• Pain (IASP Journal)
• Acupuncture in Medicine
• Complementary Therapies in Medicine

Reputable Newspapers

• Reuters
• Financial Times
• The Wall Street Journal
• BBC News
• Nikkei Asia
• The Hindu

Industry Associations

• World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS)
• International Council of Medical Acupuncture and Related Techniques (ICMART)
• National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
• British Acupuncture Council (BAcC)
• Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA)
• American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA)

Public Domain Resources

• ClinicalTrials.gov
• Cochrane Library
• Google Scholar
• WIPO PATENTSCOPE
• OpenFDA

Proprietary Elements

• CMI Data Analytics Tool: Proprietary analytics tool to analyze real-time market trends, consumer behavior, and technology adoption in market
• Proprietary CMI Existing Repository of Information for Last 8 Years