(MENAFN- GlobeNewsWire - Nasdaq) NFC market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the universal adoption of contactless payments and its expanding role in IoT. Innovations in smart packaging and secure access control are creating new revenue streams.

Chicago, Sept. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global NFC market was valued at US$ 25.7 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach 55.4 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR at a CAGR of 8.9% during the forecast period 2025–2033.

The foundation of the burgeoning NFC landscape is staggering growth. A surge in both the user base and the volume of enabled devices is clear. By the close of 2024, the number of individuals using mobile wallets is expected to be between 5.0 and 5.2 billion. A remarkable 4.3 billion global digital wallet users were recorded in 2024. In addition, over 2.7 billion people engaged in mobile payments in 2024. That figure is projected to climb to an impressive 4.4 billion by 2025. In the United States alone, 111.8 million people utilized proximity mobile payments in 2024. The hardware ecosystem is also expanding in lockstep. The number of NFC-enabled devices worldwide is anticipated to reach 3.9 billion by the end of 2024. Furthermore, proliferation extends beyond personal devices, with connected packaging units forecasted to hit 95 billion by 2025 in the NFC market.

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Such exponential growth in user numbers and device penetration creates a powerful network effect. A virtuous cycle of adoption is driving the market forward. As more consumers possess NFC-capable devices, merchants and service providers are increasingly incentivized. They are integrating the technology into their offerings. As a result, a seamless and ubiquitous contactless experience emerges, further encouraging consumer adoption. The impressive device and user statistics from 2024 and 2025 are not merely numbers. Instead, they represent a fundamental shift in consumer behavior. They provide a solid foundation for the future of the global NFC market.

Key Findings in NFC Market

Market Forecast (2033)	US$ 55.4 Billion
CAGR	8.9%
Largest Region (2024)	North America (33%)
By Device Operating Mode	Card Emulation (44%)
By Offering	Non-Auxiliary Products (56%)
By Application	Retail Industry (23%)
Top Drivers	Increasing consumer demand for fast, secure, and convenient contactless payments. Proliferation of NFC-enabled smartphones, wearables, and other IoT devices. Growing adoption in transportation for seamless and efficient transit ticketing.
Top Trends	Integration of NFC with blockchain for enhanced supply chain transparency. Rise of biometric authentication for securing NFC payment transactions. Expansion of NFC applications in smart home automation and control.
Top Challenges	High initial implementation costs for small and medium-sized enterprises. Security concerns regarding data privacy and the potential for fraud. Lack of universal standardization across different devices and platforms.

Retail and Point-of-Sale Infrastructure Reaches Critical Mass Globally

The retail sector stands as a primary beneficiary and driver of NFC market adoption. Its infrastructure is rapidly evolving. A need to meet consumer demand for contactless transactions is the cause. In 2024, a commanding 88% of Point-of-Sale (POS) manufacturers are expected to include NFC support as a standard feature. The installed base of cellular POS terminals reached 146.1 million in 2023. It is set to continue its strong growth through 2024 and 2025. Expansion is further evidenced by the estimated 110.7 million NFC-ready POS terminals shipped worldwide in 2023. Momentum is carrying into 2024. Consequently, 74% of retail stores globally are projected to support mobile payment options in 2024.

China's infrastructure provides a blueprint for global growth. Its 46.8 million contactless payment terminals in 2022 far surpassed the 23 million in the United States. The global installed base of all POS terminals grew to nearly 292 million units in 2023. A fertile ground for further NFC integration was created. The rise of mobile POS (mPOS) terminals is also a significant factor. Projections show an increase from 110 million units in 2023 to 152 million by 2028. Such growth signals robust activity throughout 2024 and 2025. A comprehensive build-out of NFC-capable infrastructure is pivotal for the NFC market. It ensures the growing number of enabled devices can be used effortlessly in countless retail environments.

Mobile Payment Transaction Volumes Skyrocket Signaling Strong Consumer Trust

A dramatic increase in mobile payment transaction volumes serves as a direct indicator. It shows NFC market's growing acceptance and deep integration into consumer spending habits. In 2024, the total volume of mobile payment transactions reached a staggering $8.1 trillion. On a broader scale, the global volume of all digital payment transactions hit 1.2 trillion in the same year. Specific applications are also seeing tremendous growth. For example, NFC ticketing is projected to account for 11.2 billion transactions in 2025. The long-term outlook is even more promising. Ticketing transactions are expected to increase to approximately 44.8 billion by 2030, which indicates a strong growth trajectory starting in 2025.

In the United States, consumers made purchases totaling $670.5 billion using proximity mobile payments in 2024. Globally, the total value of digital wallet transactions was an immense $10 trillion in 2024. The global mobile payment market itself was valued at a significant $88.5 billion in 2024. These substantial figures reflect a profound shift in how transactions are conducted. They demonstrate not just the convenience of tap-to-pay technology. They also show a growing consumer trust in the security and reliability of the NFC ecosystem. Such trust is a crucial element for the continued expansion of the NFC market.

Automotive Sector Accelerates Integration of NFC for Enhanced Experiences

The automotive industry is rapidly emerging as a key growth frontier. It is a vital area for NFC technology. Applications in digital car keys and seamless in-car connectivity are particularly notable. In China, a key market, the number of passenger cars with digital keys is forecasted to reach 7.8 million by 2025. The installation rate of these digital keys in Chinese passenger vehicles is projected to rise. It will climb from 47.5% in 2024 to over 80% by 2030. Emerging automotive brands in China are leading this charge. They boasted an 89% digital key installation rate in 2024. Broader market movements support this trend. Global sales of electric vehicles (EVs) surpassed 17 million units in 2024. They are projected to exceed 20 million by 2025, fueling demand for advanced digital features.

The growth is quantifiable and impressive. In 2024, China's passenger car digital key market witnessed installations grow by 58.7% year-on-year. Cellular IoT subscriptions, which enable many connected car features including digital keys, reached approximately 4 billion by the end of 2024. Highlighting the move toward more advanced solutions, UWB digital key installations in China saw a massive 354.6% year-on-year increase in 2024. A rapid integration into vehicles signals a new era of convenience and security for drivers. A vital and high-value segment within the NFC market is being established.

Smart Packaging and Brand Protection Leverage NFC for Better Engagement

NFC technology is being increasingly woven into the fabric of product packaging. It creates a powerful tool for consumer engagement and product authentication. Supply chain transparency is also greatly improved. A clear indicator of this trend is the forecast that connected packaging units will reach 95 billion by 2025. The global smart packaging market is projected to grow from an estimated $26.06 billion in 2025. The NFC-enabled segment of the market was valued at USD 5.1 billion in 2024. Within the NFC packaging space, the supply chain and inventory management sub-segment was valued at a significant USD 2 billion in 2024.

The broader smart packaging market was valued at USD 24.66 billion in 2024. It is estimated to reach USD 26.22 billion in 2025. The food and beverages segment led the smart packaging market in 2024. The technology's utility in a high-volume consumer goods category was clearly demonstrated. Furthermore, the Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) segment held the largest share of the global smart packaging market in 2024. These figures illustrate the immense potential of NFC. The technology can transform static packaging into an interactive and intelligent platform.

Wearable Technology Embraces NFC Payments for Unmatched User Convenience

The market for wearable technology is a significant growth vector. NFC-enabled devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers are becoming increasingly popular. Their convenience in contactless payments is a key driver. The market size for wearable payment devices by device type reached an impressive USD 29.5 billion in 2024. Every year, over 100 million units of smartwatches and fitness trackers are sold. A growing number of these devices now include NFC capabilities as a standard feature. Huawei is leading the charge, reporting 200 million wearable shipments worldwide. The company held the top global position for wrist-worn devices in the first half of 2025. Its popular GT Series of smartwatches alone has shipped 54 million units as of early 2025.

Smart rings are emerging as a breakout category. They are forecast to post a significant CAGR over the 2025-2030 period. The underlying technology remains robust. The NFC protocol held a dominant share in the wearable payment devices market in 2024. Fitness trackers also accounted for a significant portion of the wearable payment devices market in 2024. The seamless integration of payment functionality into these everyday devices is a powerful driver. It is propelling the NFC market forward, making transactions more frictionless than ever before.

Interactive Entertainment and Gaming Taps into NFC for Hybrid Play

The toy and gaming industry is creatively leveraging NFC. It is merging physical products with digital experiences. A new dimension of interactive play is being created. An innovative application is reflected in the global NFC toys market. The market was valued at approximately USD 1.6 billion in 2024. The broader smart toys market is projected to grow from $20.85 billion in 2024 to $25.02 billion in 2025. Positive sales trends in major markets underscore this growth. In the first half of 2025, U.S. toy industry dollar sales increased. Units sold also saw a rise compared to the same period in 2024.

Licensed toys frequently incorporate technologies like NFC. They accounted for over one-third of all U.S. toy sales in the first half of 2025. An interesting demographic trend is the growth in sales to adults. Sales to those aged 18 and older in the U.S. toy market grew during the first half of 2025. A strong appetite for collectibles and tech-integrated toys is suggested. Reinforcing the link between digital and physical, video game properties were dominant. They were among the top 10 gainers in the U.S. toy market in the first half of 2025. The overall global toys and games market size reached a substantial USD 118.7 billion in 2024.

Public Transportation and Ticketing Systems Adopt NFC for Seamless Journeys

NFC technology is revolutionizing public transportation. It is streamlining fare collection and enhancing the commuter experience. Its efficiency and convenience are key benefits. The scale of adoption is evident. NFC ticketing transactions are projected to reach 11.2 billion in 2025. The value of contactless ticketing transactions is set to increase significantly between 2024 and 2029. As of 2024, the infrastructure is already widespread. Public transit systems in over 150 cities worldwide now accept contactless payments. The overall transportation payment solutions market is expected to grow from $20.55 billion in 2024 to $23.07 billion in 2025.

Several key trends are accelerating the shift. The growth of Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platforms is a major trend for 2024 and 2025. These platforms often integrate NFC for seamless payment across different transport modes. Open-loop payment systems represent another key trend. They are inherently compatible with NFC-enabled bank cards and mobile wallets. Open-loop systems are a focus in the transportation sector for 2024 and 2025. Finally, the continued dominance of mobile ticketing and apps in 2024 and 2025 further solidifies NFC's role in modern transit.

Competitive Landscape Driven by Innovation from Key Chip Manufacturers

The robust growth of the global NFC market is supported by a dynamic landscape. A competitive field of semiconductor companies leads in NFC chip manufacturing. These key players are continuously pushing the boundaries of the technology.

NXP Semiconductors stands out as a major force. The company offers a wide portfolio of connected NFC tag solutions. Its NTAG and ICODE families in 2024 are prime examples. Demonstrating a commitment to innovation, NXP introduced the NTAG X DNA in 2025. A new Type 4 secure connected NFC tag, it has a significant 16KB of memory. It was specifically designed to meet upcoming EU Digital Product Passport requirements. Additionally, the advanced tag boasts a high data rate of 848 kbps. NXP's offerings extend to versatile tag ICs for automotive applications. They also include sophisticated solutions for brand protection.

STMicroelectronics is another formidable competitor. Its well-regarded ST25 family of NFC tag and reader ICs is a key product line. In 2024, the company launched the ST25R100. A minuscule 4mm x 4mm NFC reader, it is tailored for space and power-constrained applications. The company's ST54F and ST54H System-in-Package (SiP) solutions are in volume production in 2024. They integrate the latest Secure Element technology with up to 2MB of eFlash. The company's financial health is also strong. Expected sales of about US$2.5 billion for the first quarter of 2025 were announced.

Qualcomm plays a vital role in the ecosystem. Its extensive intellectual property is a major asset. As of 2024, Qualcomm has filed 1,089 patent applications. It has also been granted an impressive 2,807 patents related to NFC and other wireless technologies. The company's deep investment in research and development spans the wireless communication spectrum. This includes 5G and IoT. Its work reinforces an influential position in the broader connectivity landscape, where the NFC market is a crucial part.

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Global Near Field Communication Market Major Players:

• Apple Inc.
• Broadcom Inc.
• HID Global
• Huawei Technologies
• Infineon Technologies AG
• Marvell Technology Group
• NXP Semiconductors
• Qualcomm Technologies
• Renesas Electronics
• Samsung Electronics
• Smartrac Technology
• Sony Group Corp.
• STMicroelectronics N.V.
• Texas Instruments Inc.
• Thales (Gemalto)
• Toshiba Electronic Devices and Storage Corp.
• Zebra Technologies Corp.
• Other Prominent Players

Key Market Segmentation:

By Operating Mode

• Reader Emulation
• Peer-to-peer
• Card Emulation
• Charging Mode

By Offering

• Non-auxiliary Products
• Auxiliary Products
• Services

By Application

• Retail
• BFSI
• Healthcare
• Automotive
• Residential & Commercial
• Transportation
• Medical & Healthcare
• Consumer Electronics
• Hospitality
• Others

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Middle East & Africa (MEA)
• South America

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