Global Night Vision Tubes Market Insights, Size, and Forecast By End Use (Military, Law Enforcement, Civilian, Hunting, Surveillance), By Application (Security and Surveillance, Wildlife Observation, Search and Rescue, Personal Use, Automotive), By Technology (Image Intensifier Tubes, Digital Night Vision Tubes, Thermal Imaging Tubes), By Distribution Channel (Online Retail, Offline Retail, Distributors), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa), Key Companies, Competitive Analysis, Trends, and Projections for 2026-2035
Key Market Insights
Global Night Vision Tubes Market is projected to grow from USD 4.85 Billion in 2025 to USD 9.72 Billion by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 8.7% from 2026 through 2035. This market encompasses the manufacturing and distribution of image intensifier tubes, which amplify ambient light to create a visible image in low light or complete darkness. These tubes are critical components in a wide array of night vision devices, including goggles, monoculars, weapon sights, and surveillance systems. The primary market drivers include escalating geopolitical tensions and regional conflicts globally, leading to increased defense spending and demand for advanced surveillance and combat capabilities. Furthermore, the growing adoption of night vision technologies in various commercial applications, such as hunting, outdoor recreation, and security, is contributing significantly to market expansion. Technological advancements, particularly in areas like improved signal to noise ratio, extended battery life, and enhanced spectral response, are also propelling market growth. However, the high manufacturing costs associated with these sophisticated devices, coupled with stringent export control regulations and trade restrictions, pose significant restraints on market growth.
Global Night Vision Tubes Market Value (USD Billion) Analysis, 2025-2035
2025 - 2035
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A key trend in the Night Vision Tubes Market is the continuous miniaturization and lightweighting of night vision systems, driven by the need for enhanced user comfort and operational efficiency for both military and civilian users. Another notable trend is the integration of night vision tubes with other advanced technologies, such as thermal imaging and augmented reality, creating hybrid systems that offer superior situational awareness. The market also presents substantial opportunities in emerging applications like autonomous vehicles, where night vision can enhance sensor capabilities in challenging lighting conditions. Furthermore, the increasing demand for persistent surveillance solutions in critical infrastructure protection and border security offers lucrative avenues for market players. North America stands as the dominant region in this market, driven by substantial defense budgets, extensive research and development activities, and the presence of major night vision technology manufacturers. The region benefits from a robust ecosystem for advanced military and security technologies.
Asia Pacific is identified as the fastest growing region, fueled by rising defense expenditures from nations modernizing their military capabilities, alongside rapid industrialization and growing demand for security solutions in critical sectors. The increasing disposable income and growing popularity of outdoor recreational activities are also contributing to the surge in demand for commercial night vision devices in the region. Key players like Thales Group, Harris Corporation, Zebra Imaging, Rheinmetall, Northrop Grumman, Sofradir, Yukon Advanced Optics Worldwide, BAE Systems, Pulsar, and Meprolight are actively pursuing strategies such as product innovation, strategic partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, and geographical expansion to maintain their competitive edge and capture a larger market share. These strategies aim to leverage technological advancements, cater to diverse end user requirements, and penetrate new regional markets, thereby reinforcing their positions within the evolving global night vision tubes landscape.
Quick Stats
Market Size (2025):
USD 4.85 BillionProjected Market Size (2035):
USD 9.72 BillionLeading Segment:
Military (62.5% Share)Dominant Region (2025):
North America (45.2% Share)CAGR (2026-2035):
8.7%
What is Night Vision Tubes?
Night vision tubes are image intensifier devices fundamental to low light observation. They capture faint ambient light, including infrared, convert it into electrons, and accelerate these electrons to strike a phosphor screen. This process amplifies the original light thousands of times, creating a brighter, green monochromatic image visible to the human eye. Their core concept relies on photon to electron conversion and subsequent electron multiplication within a vacuum tube. This technology is crucial for military operations, surveillance, wildlife observation, and search and rescue missions, enabling human vision in conditions approaching total darkness where natural light is insufficient for direct sight.
What are the Trends in Global Night Vision Tubes Market
Enhanced Low Light Fusion
Compact Digital Integration
AI Powered Image Processing
Commercial Adoption Expansion
Miniaturized Power Solutions
Enhanced Low Light Fusion
Enhanced Low Light Fusion represents a significant advancement in global night vision tubes. This trend focuses on optimizing performance in extremely dark environments, pushing beyond traditional Generation 3 capabilities. Manufacturers are integrating sophisticated image intensifier tube technologies with advanced digital signal processing. The fusion combines the high sensitivity of analog intensifiers with the clarity and detail enhancement of digital algorithms. This approach delivers brighter, sharper, and more detailed imagery in near total darkness, minimizing noise and maximizing contrast. It results in superior target recognition and situational awareness for end users. The trend signifies a drive towards creating night vision devices that offer unprecedented visual fidelity under minimal ambient light conditions, making previously indistinguishable details visible.
Compact Digital Integration
Compact digital integration represents a significant shift in the global night vision tubes market. Manufacturers are increasingly embedding advanced digital components directly into image intensifier tubes. This integration allows for real time data fusion, overlaying critical information like weapon reticles, target coordinates, or augmented reality feeds directly within the user's field of view. Instead of separate devices, the digital processing unit becomes an integral part of the tube's architecture. This trend enhances situational awareness, reduces the overall bulk and weight of night vision systems, and simplifies operation. It paves the way for smarter, more versatile night vision solutions capable of seamless communication and interoperability with other digital battlefield systems, moving beyond passive observation to active information integration for the end user.
What are the Key Drivers Shaping the Global Night Vision Tubes Market
Rising Demand for Enhanced Surveillance and Security
Advancements in Image Intensification and Sensor Technologies
Increasing Adoption in Defense and Law Enforcement Applications
Growing Investment in Research and Development for Next-Generation Devices
Expansion of Commercial and Industrial Use Cases
Rising Demand for Enhanced Surveillance and Security
Growing global security concerns are a primary catalyst for the night vision tubes market. Governments worldwide are increasingly investing in sophisticated surveillance solutions to combat terrorism, cross border infiltration, and organized crime. Military forces require advanced night vision for covert operations, reconnaissance, and enhanced situational awareness during nighttime engagements. Simultaneously, law enforcement agencies are upgrading their equipment to improve officer safety and effectiveness in low light conditions, aiding in suspect apprehension and evidence collection. Beyond defense and law enforcement, critical infrastructure protection and border security necessitate robust monitoring capabilities that rely heavily on night vision technology. This widespread demand for superior night vision drives innovation and adoption across various sectors seeking heightened vigilance and protection.
Advancements in Image Intensification and Sensor Technologies
Significant progress in image intensification and sensor technologies is a key driver for the Global Night Vision Tubes Market. Innovations are leading to tubes that offer superior light amplification, extended spectral response, and higher resolution. These advancements mean night vision devices can now perform effectively in even lower light conditions, providing clearer, more detailed imagery. New sensor materials and digital integration improve the ability to detect and identify targets from greater distances, with reduced distortion and noise. Enhanced sensitivity and improved signal processing capabilities are making night vision tubes more adaptable for diverse applications across military, law enforcement, and civilian sectors, boosting demand for more capable and reliable night vision solutions.
Increasing Adoption in Defense and Law Enforcement Applications
Increasing adoption in defense and law enforcement applications is a significant driver for the global night vision tubes market. Modern military and police forces require advanced situational awareness and operational capabilities in low light conditions. Night vision tubes offer critical advantages for surveillance, target acquisition, navigation, and officer safety during nighttime missions. Technological advancements, including improved image clarity, reduced size, and extended battery life, make these devices more attractive for various operational scenarios. Governments worldwide are investing in upgrading their defense and security forces with state of the art equipment, recognizing the strategic advantage provided by superior night vision technology. This sustained demand from both military and civilian security sectors fuels the growth of the night vision tubes market globally.
Global Night Vision Tubes Market Restraints
Stringent Export Regulations & Tariffs Impacting Global Trade
Stringent export regulations and tariffs significantly impede the global night vision tubes market. Governments, driven by national security concerns, impose strict controls on the sale and distribution of these sensitive technologies. Obtaining export licenses is often a complex, time consuming, and unpredictable process, creating substantial delays and increasing administrative burdens for manufacturers. Furthermore, tariffs levied by importing countries elevate product costs, making night vision tubes less affordable and competitive in international markets. These trade barriers restrict manufacturers from reaching a wider customer base and hinder their ability to capitalize on global demand. The inability to freely export and import night vision tubes limits market expansion and stifles innovation as companies face disincentives to invest in product development for markets they cannot easily access. This regulatory environment creates a fragmented global market with limited cross border trade.
High Production Costs & Lack of Standardization Hindering Market Expansion
High manufacturing expenses for night vision tubes significantly impede their widespread adoption. These costs stem from the specialized materials, complex fabrication processes, and highly skilled labor required for optimal performance. Consequently, the final product remains premium priced, limiting market access for a broader consumer base, particularly in price sensitive regions.
Furthermore, the absence of industry wide standardization exacerbates this issue. Variations in specifications, interfaces, and testing protocols across manufacturers create incompatibilities and hinder interoperability. This fragmentation prevents economies of scale that could otherwise drive down production costs. Developers must create unique solutions for diverse systems, increasing research and development expenditure. The lack of uniform standards also complicates global supply chains and distribution, slowing market penetration and expansion into new geographical areas. These combined factors restrict the night vision tubes market from achieving its full growth potential.
Global Night Vision Tubes Market Opportunities
Civilian & Commercial Diversification: Untapped Demand in Autonomous Systems, Industrial Safety, and Professional Security
The global night vision tubes market presents a substantial opportunity through strategic diversification into civilian and commercial applications. Significant untapped demand exists across autonomous systems, industrial safety, and professional security sectors.
For autonomous vehicles and drones, night vision tubes offer crucial low light perception, enhancing navigation and operational reliability in dim conditions. In industrial settings, these tubes improve safety protocols by enabling superior monitoring of equipment, infrastructure, and personnel in dark environments, proactively preventing accidents. Professional security services can leverage advanced night vision for enhanced surveillance, perimeter control, and asset protection for businesses, critical infrastructure, and private entities. This expansion beyond traditional military roles unlocks new revenue streams, broadening the market's reach by providing unparalleled visibility and operational efficiency to a wide array of non military users.
Next-Gen Performance & AI Integration: Driving Upgrade Cycles and New Use Cases in Defense and Law Enforcement
The Global Night Vision Tubes Market presents a significant opportunity through next generation performance and AI integration. Advanced tubes featuring superior resolution, extended range, and enhanced low light sensitivity are becoming critical. Integrating artificial intelligence transforms night vision from simple observation to intelligent systems. This includes automatic target recognition, data fusion capabilities, and predictive analytics that significantly improve situational awareness for defense personnel and law enforcement officers. These technological leaps are compelling agencies worldwide, especially in the rapidly expanding Asia Pacific region, to initiate widespread upgrade cycles for their existing equipment. Furthermore, the convergence of high performance tubes and AI unlocks entirely new operational use cases. For instance, AI powered night vision enables autonomous navigation in zero light, sophisticated threat detection for unmanned systems, and real time battlefield intelligence gathering. This innovation cycle not only replaces older technology but also creates demand for capabilities previously unimaginable, driving substantial market growth by delivering unparalleled operational advantage and efficiency to security forces globally.
Global Night Vision Tubes Market Segmentation Analysis
Key Market Segments
By Technology
- •Image Intensifier Tubes
- •Digital Night Vision Tubes
- •Thermal Imaging Tubes
By End Use
- •Military
- •Law Enforcement
- •Civilian
- •Hunting
- •Surveillance
By Application
- •Security and Surveillance
- •Wildlife Observation
- •Search and Rescue
- •Personal Use
- •Automotive
By Distribution Channel
- •Online Retail
- •Offline Retail
- •Distributors
Segment Share By Technology
Share, By Technology, 2025 (%)
- Image Intensifier Tubes
- Thermal Imaging Tubes
- Digital Night Vision Tubes
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Why is the Military end use segment dominating the Global Night Vision Tubes Market?
The military sector holds the largest share due to its critical need for superior situational awareness in diverse operational environments, particularly during low light or complete darkness. Governments worldwide continuously invest in advanced night vision capabilities to enhance soldier safety, improve reconnaissance, targeting accuracy, and overall combat effectiveness. This persistent demand for high-performance, robust, and reliable night vision tubes for various equipment like weapon sights, goggles, and vehicle mounted systems ensures its significant market leadership.
What are the key drivers differentiating demand across various night vision tube technologies?
Demand across technology segments such as Image Intensifier Tubes, Digital Night Vision Tubes, and Thermal Imaging Tubes is primarily driven by specific application requirements and operational environments. Image intensifiers are favored for their excellent low light performance and cost efficiency, making them a staple. Thermal imaging excels in detecting heat signatures through smoke, fog, or complete darkness, crucial for surveillance and search and rescue. Digital night vision offers versatility and recording capabilities, appealing to a broader range of civilian and law enforcement applications.
How do varying end use applications influence the night vision tube distribution channels?
The diverse end use applications significantly shape the distribution channels utilized for night vision tubes. Military and law enforcement agencies often procure through direct distributors or specialized government contracts due to specific requirements for robust, high performance, and customized solutions. Conversely, civilian, hunting, and personal use applications increasingly leverage online retail channels for convenience, broader product comparison, and competitive pricing, alongside traditional offline retailers for hands on experience and expert advice.
What Regulatory and Policy Factors Shape the Global Night Vision Tubes Market
The global night vision tubes market navigates a complex regulatory environment driven by the dual use nature of the technology. These devices, having both civilian and military applications, are subject to stringent international export control regimes. The United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations ITAR heavily restricts the export of advanced night vision components, significantly impacting global trade flows and supply chains. Concurrently, the Wassenaar Arrangement provides multilateral guidelines for controlling conventional arms and dual use goods, influencing national export laws across member states.
Consequently, manufacturers and distributors worldwide must comply with diverse national regulations requiring export licenses, end user certificates, and destination controls. Restrictions often vary by region, with some countries allowing broader commercial or recreational use while others maintain strict military and law enforcement only policies. This regulatory mosaic creates barriers to market entry and necessitates robust compliance programs, affecting product availability, pricing, and the overall pace of technological dissemination globally. Enforcement actions for non compliance are severe.
What New Technologies are Shaping Global Night Vision Tubes Market?
The Global Night Vision Tubes Market is actively driven by continuous technological advancements. Innovations center on improving image intensification, extending detection capabilities, and enhancing user experience. Advanced photocathode materials such as Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) are significantly boosting quantum efficiency, leading to clearer, brighter images in extremely low light conditions. Miniaturization remains a key focus, reducing the size, weight, and power consumption of devices, crucial for portable and head mounted applications across defense and commercial sectors.
Emerging technologies increasingly involve digital night vision solutions and fusion systems. These integrate high resolution sensors and sophisticated image processing with traditional image intensifier tubes or thermal imaging. This hybrid approach offers superior situational awareness, combining the low light sensitivity of tubes with the heat signature detection of thermal imagers. Developments in power management and augmented reality overlays are also transforming functionality, providing extended operational times and tactical data directly within the night vision view, further propelling market expansion.
Global Night Vision Tubes Market Regional Analysis
Global Night Vision Tubes Market
Trends, by Region
North America Market
Revenue Share, 2025
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Dominant Region
North America · 45.2% share
North America stands as the dominant region in the Global Night Vision Tubes Market, commanding a substantial 45.2% market share. This leadership is primarily driven by significant defense spending and widespread adoption of night vision technologies within military and law enforcement agencies across the United States and Canada. Robust government procurement programs and ongoing modernization initiatives fuel consistent demand. Additionally, a strong presence of key manufacturers and extensive research and development activities in the region contribute to technological advancements and product innovation, further solidifying its dominant position. The region also benefits from a growing civilian market for hunting, outdoor recreation, and security applications, though military and governmental use remains the primary driver.
Fastest Growing Region
Asia Pacific · 9.2% CAGR
Asia Pacific stands out as the fastest growing region in the global night vision tubes market, exhibiting a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate of 9.2% through the 2026-2035 forecast period. This significant growth is fueled by increasing defense spending across various countries in the region. Modernization initiatives within military and law enforcement agencies are driving substantial demand for advanced night vision technologies. Furthermore, expanding applications in commercial sectors such as surveillance, hunting, and outdoor recreation contribute to this rapid expansion. The rising awareness of security needs and technological advancements further propel market growth in this dynamic region.
Top Countries Overview
The U.S. is a major consumer and key technology innovator in the global night vision tubes market. Domestic demand, driven by military, law enforcement, and civilian sectors, sustains a robust manufacturing base. American firms are pivotal in developing advanced Photonis and Gen 3 technologies, maintaining a competitive edge and influencing global market trends through innovation and product quality.
China is a key player in the global night vision tubes market, exhibiting strong growth driven by defense modernization and burgeoning commercial applications. Domestic manufacturers are rapidly advancing, challenging established international players with competitive pricing and improving technology. The market's future will see increased innovation and intensified competition, with China poised to significantly influence technological advancements and market dynamics.
India is a minor player in the global night vision tubes market, primarily reliant on imports for sophisticated Generation 2 and 3 tubes. Domestic manufacturing focuses on lower-end, older generation tubes, with limited R&D investment. Strategic partnerships and technology transfers are crucial for market expansion and indigenous capability development, particularly for military and security applications.
Impact of Geopolitical and Macroeconomic Factors
Geopolitically, the night vision tubes market is heavily influenced by defense spending and ongoing conflicts. Nations engaged in counterterrorism or border surveillance prioritize these technologies, driving demand and innovation. Export controls and technology transfer restrictions, especially concerning adversaries, create supply chain complexities and foster domestic production capabilities in various countries. Alliances and rivalries also shape market access and the flow of critical components, impacting manufacturers' ability to source and sell globally.
Macroeconomically, government defense budgets are key determinants. Economic growth or recession directly impacts military spending, affecting procurement cycles. Inflation can increase production costs for tubes, potentially leading to higher prices or reduced unit sales if budgets remain stagnant. Currency fluctuations also play a role, making imports or exports more expensive or affordable. Technological advancements, while not strictly macroeconomic, often depend on R&D funding which is linked to economic health and government investment strategies.
Recent Developments
- March 2025
Harris Corporation (now L3Harris Technologies) launched its new 'FUSION-XL' series of night vision tubes. These tubes integrate advanced digital image fusion technology with traditional analog intensification, offering enhanced situational awareness in varied light conditions and across different spectral bands.
- September 2024
Thales Group announced a strategic partnership with Zebra Imaging to co-develop next-generation holographic night vision displays. This collaboration aims to project real-time battlefield data and 3D terrain maps directly into the user's field of view, significantly reducing cognitive load for military personnel.
- November 2024
Northrop Grumman acquired a significant stake in Sofradir (now Lynred), a leading European manufacturer of infrared detectors. This acquisition is part of Northrop Grumman's strategy to bolster its capabilities in multi-spectral imaging and thermal night vision solutions, enhancing its offerings in both military and commercial sectors.
- February 2025
Pulsar unveiled its new 'Quantum XTRM' line of night vision monoculars and binoculars, featuring significantly extended battery life and improved digital image processing algorithms. These products target the growing civilian market for hunting, security, and outdoor recreation, emphasizing user-friendly interfaces and robust performance.
- July 2024
Rheinmetall initiated a strategic program to integrate AI-powered target recognition into their existing night vision systems for armored vehicles. This initiative aims to automate threat detection and classification, providing tank crews with faster and more accurate target acquisition capabilities in low-light environments.
Key Players Analysis
Key players like Thales Group and Harris Corporation dominate the global night vision tubes market, pioneering advanced image intensifier technologies. Companies such as Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems contribute significantly through defense contracts, integrating their tubes into military systems. Rheinmetall and Sofradir are key innovators in uncooled and cooled infrared technologies, respectively. Zebra Imaging focuses on specialized holographic displays, while Yukon Advanced Optics Worldwide and Pulsar target the civilian market with affordable, high performance devices. Strategic initiatives include R&D for enhanced low light sensitivity and smaller form factors. Market growth is driven by increasing military spending, border surveillance needs, and expanding civilian applications in security and outdoor recreation.
List of Key Companies:
- Thales Group
- Harris Corporation
- Zebra Imaging
- Rheinmetall
- Northrop Grumman
- Sofradir
- Yukon Advanced Optics Worldwide
- BAE Systems
- Pulsar
- Meprolight
- L3Harris Technologies
- Night Vision Devices
- FLIR Systems
- Aimpoint
- Optronics
Report Scope and Segmentation
| Report Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Market Size (2025) | USD 4.85 Billion |
| Forecast Value (2035) | USD 9.72 Billion |
| CAGR (2026-2035) | 8.7% |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Historical Period | 2020-2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2035 |
| Segments Covered |
|
| Regional Analysis |
|
Table of Contents:
List of Figures
List of Tables
Table 1: Global Night Vision Tubes Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Technology, 2020-2035
Table 2: Global Night Vision Tubes Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 3: Global Night Vision Tubes Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 4: Global Night Vision Tubes Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Distribution Channel, 2020-2035
Table 5: Global Night Vision Tubes Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Region, 2020-2035
Table 6: North America Night Vision Tubes Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Technology, 2020-2035
Table 7: North America Night Vision Tubes Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 8: North America Night Vision Tubes Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 9: North America Night Vision Tubes Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Distribution Channel, 2020-2035
Table 10: North America Night Vision Tubes Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country, 2020-2035
Table 11: Europe Night Vision Tubes Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Technology, 2020-2035
Table 12: Europe Night Vision Tubes Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 13: Europe Night Vision Tubes Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 14: Europe Night Vision Tubes Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Distribution Channel, 2020-2035
Table 15: Europe Night Vision Tubes Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 16: Asia Pacific Night Vision Tubes Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Technology, 2020-2035
Table 17: Asia Pacific Night Vision Tubes Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 18: Asia Pacific Night Vision Tubes Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 19: Asia Pacific Night Vision Tubes Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Distribution Channel, 2020-2035
Table 20: Asia Pacific Night Vision Tubes Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 21: Latin America Night Vision Tubes Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Technology, 2020-2035
Table 22: Latin America Night Vision Tubes Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 23: Latin America Night Vision Tubes Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 24: Latin America Night Vision Tubes Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Distribution Channel, 2020-2035
Table 25: Latin America Night Vision Tubes Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 26: Middle East & Africa Night Vision Tubes Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Technology, 2020-2035
Table 27: Middle East & Africa Night Vision Tubes Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 28: Middle East & Africa Night Vision Tubes Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 29: Middle East & Africa Night Vision Tubes Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Distribution Channel, 2020-2035
Table 30: Middle East & Africa Night Vision Tubes Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035