According to a recent report from BCC Research, the U.S. market for advanced protective gear and armor reached $4.5 billion and $4.7 billion in 2013 and 2014, respectively. This market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4% to reach nearly $5.9 billion in 2019.

 

Advanced protective gear, clothing and armor are undergoing growth in many sectors as a result of terrorist activities and related geopolitical events. Protective gear remains a niche market, although today it is more influenced by the demands of the war fighter and homeland security requirements, augmented by the increases in numbers of domestic law enforcement and first responder personnel. This results in escalating needs for material and design improvements, combined with production capabilities, to meet industry demands based on the present and evolving environment. The largest single sector of this market includes ancillary components such as protective gloves, helmets, eye wear and respirators.

 

“While this type of protective gear and armor industry has seen a few new standards and regulations, there have been significant revisions and additions to the existing standards for worker-protective clothing in the areas of chemical protection, fire protection, and bullet-resistant garments,” said Andrew McWilliams, analyst. “Knowing what is available to the military, first responders seek to upgrade the protective gear that they do have.”

 

For more information, visit www.bccresearch.com.