China Enteral Feeding Tubes Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecasts 2031

Key Findings

• The China Enteral Feeding Tubes Market is expanding due to rising prevalence of chronic illnesses, gastrointestinal disorders, and malnutrition that require long-term nutritional support.

• Increasing adoption of home enteral nutrition (HEN) services is significantly contributing to demand across China.

• Technological advancements in tube materials, anti-clogging designs, and safety connectors are improving patient comfort and clinical outcomes.

• Growth in neonatal and pediatric intensive care cases is further elevating the need for reliable enteral feeding systems.

• Expansion of critical care infrastructure and ICUs across hospitals in China is enhancing market penetration.

• Growing awareness among clinicians regarding early enteral nutrition for recovery and wound healing is accelerating adoption.

• Rising elderly population and increasing incidence of dysphagia are major factors driving long-term tube placements.

• Strong presence of global and regional manufacturers providing gastrostomy, jejunostomy, and nasoenteric tubes is supporting market growth.

China Enteral Feeding Tubes Market Size and Forecast

The China Enteral Feeding Tubes Market is projected to grow from USD 4.3 billion in 2024 to approximately USD 6.09 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of about 5.1%, driven by increasing use of enteral nutrition for patients unable to meet nutritional needs orally. Hospitals and homecare settings across China are rapidly adopting advanced feeding tubes due to improved clinical protocols, enhanced safety mechanisms, and the rising burden of chronic diseases. Growth of minimally invasive procedures and PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy) techniques is promoting wider acceptance of gastrostomy and jejunostomy tubes. Manufacturers are focusing on anti-kink designs, biocompatible materials, and radiopaque tubes for better placement accuracy. As the elderly population increases and clinical nutrition awareness expands, the market is anticipated to show strong and sustained growth across China.

Introduction

Enteral feeding tubes are medical devices used to deliver nutrition directly into the gastrointestinal tract for patients who cannot consume adequate food orally. They are widely used in critical care, oncology, neurology, gastroenterology, and geriatric care. Types of feeding tubes include nasogastric (NG), nasojejunal (NJ), gastrostomy (G), and jejunostomy (J) tubes. In China, rising demand is driven by increasing chronic disease burden, improved tube placement techniques, and greater use of home enteral nutrition services. Innovations in medical-grade silicone and polyurethane materials are making tubes more flexible, durable, and comfortable. With expanding ICU capacity and clinical focus on preventing malnutrition, the demand for enteral feeding tubes continues to grow.

Future Outlook

By 2031, the China Enteral Feeding Tubes Market will advance significantly due to adoption of more patient-friendly materials, enhanced safety connectors, and specialized designs for pediatrics and geriatrics. AI-supported tube placement verification and sensor-enabled feeding solutions will address tube misplacement risks. Home enteral nutrition will expand rapidly due to improved caregiver training, telemedicine support, and insurance coverage in many regions of China. With an aging population, the use of gastrostomy tubes for long-term feeding will rise substantially. Innovations such as antimicrobial coatings, balloon-retention improvements, and clog-resistant lumens will further enhance long-term outcomes. As healthcare providers prioritize nutritional therapy as part of recovery protocols, China will continue emerging as a strong growth market for enteral feeding devices.

China Enteral Feeding Tubes Market Trends

• Growing Adoption of Home Enteral Nutrition (HEN)
  Home enteral nutrition is increasingly adopted across China as healthcare systems prioritize cost-effective and patient-centered care models. Patients with chronic conditions such as neurological disorders, cancer, and dysphagia are benefiting from home feeding programs that provide convenience and improved quality of life. The availability of portable feeding pumps, telehealth support, and caregiver education is accelerating this trend. HEN helps reduce hospital readmissions and supports long-term nutritional management, making it a major growth area in the region.

• Rising Demand for Gastrostomy and Jejunostomy Tubes Due to Long-Term Nutritional Needs
  Gastrostomy (G) and jejunostomy (J) tubes are becoming increasingly preferred in China for patients requiring prolonged enteral feeding. These tubes provide more stable and comfortable long-term solutions compared to nasoenteric tubes. Improved PEG placement techniques and reduced procedure risks are encouraging broader clinical adoption. Hospitals are also investing in dedicated nutrition support teams, which further supports the use of long-term feeding tubes. This trend strengthens the demand for durable, biocompatible gastrostomy and jejunostomy tubes across the region.

• Technological Advancements in Tube Design and Materials
  Manufacturers are introducing improved enteral feeding tubes with features such as anti-clogging tips, kink-resistant materials, and high-visibility radiopaque markers. Medical-grade silicone and polyurethane are increasingly used for enhanced comfort, flexibility, and durability. Advanced retention mechanisms, low-profile buttons, and safety connector systems help reduce complications. These design improvements significantly enhance patient safety and clinical efficiency, driving adoption across China.

• Increasing Use of Enteral Nutrition in Critical and Intensive Care
  Enteral feeding tubes are widely used in ICUs for trauma patients, ventilated patients, and those with gastrointestinal or neurological complications. Early enteral nutrition is clinically recommended to improve healing, immunity, and patient outcomes. With expanding ICU infrastructure and rising hospital admissions, demand for feeding tubes continues to grow. The trend toward evidence-based critical care protocols further accelerates tube utilization across China.

• Growing Focus on Pediatric and Neonatal Enteral Feeding Solutions
  Pediatric and neonatal ICUs in China are witnessing increased adoption of specialized feeding tubes designed for infants and children. Preterm births, congenital anomalies, and malnutrition cases are key drivers of this trend. Pediatric tubes feature smaller diameters, softer materials, and enhanced safety to reduce injury risks. Hospitals are upgrading pediatric nutrition programs, resulting in sustained demand for child-specific feeding devices across the region.

Market Growth Drivers

• Rising Incidence of Chronic Diseases and Malnutrition
  Chronic illnesses such as cancer, neurological disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, and stroke often impair patients’ ability to consume food orally. Increasing prevalence of these conditions in China is significantly driving demand for enteral feeding tubes. Malnutrition in hospitalized and elderly populations also creates a strong need for safe and consistent nutritional support therapies.

• Growth of Critical Care Infrastructure and ICU Admissions
  Expanding ICU units, trauma centers, and emergency care facilities across China are major contributors to increased tube placements. ICU protocols favor early enteral nutrition due to its clinical benefits in improving recovery and reducing infections. With rising surgical volumes and post-operative complications, enteral tubes are becoming essential tools in acute care.

• Increasing Geriatric Population and Prevalence of Dysphagia
  Aging populations across China are experiencing higher rates of swallowing disorders, dementia, and stroke-related complications. These conditions often require assisted feeding solutions. Long-term gastrostomy tubes are particularly common among elderly patients recovering from chronic illnesses, driving substantial growth in demand.

• Advancements in Tube Placement Techniques and Clinical Guidelines
  Improved endoscopic and fluoroscopic placement methods have increased safety and reduced complications associated with enteral feeding tubes. Clinical guidelines now emphasize early nutritional intervention for critically ill patients, ensuring higher utilization rates. Increased physician training and awareness further support market expansion.

• Growing Adoption of Home Healthcare and Remote Monitoring Solutions
  As healthcare shifts toward cost-effective outpatient care, home enteral nutrition is becoming widely accepted in China. Digital tools, caregiver training programs, and improved insurance coverage support safe home feeding. This shift is significantly increasing tube utilization beyond hospital settings.

Challenges in the Market

• Tube Blockages, Displacements, and Mechanical Complications
  Despite improvements, feeding tubes are still prone to clogging, kinking, and accidental displacement. Such complications can lead to treatment interruptions and additional clinical interventions. Addressing these issues with better designs and patient education is essential for market sustainability.

• Infection Risks and Caregiver Training Limitations
  Inadequate hygiene practices, poor maintenance, and improper feeding techniques can increase infection risks. Lack of caregiver training in home settings may lead to complications and reduced treatment adherence. Enhanced training programs are needed across China to mitigate these risks.

• High Cost of Long-Term Enteral Nutrition and Equipment
  Feeding tubes, pumps, and accessories can be expensive for patients without adequate insurance coverage. Long-term nutritional care may impose financial strain, particularly in low-income households. This challenge can reduce access to high-quality enteral feeding solutions.

• Limited Access to Skilled Nutrition Support Teams in Remote Areas
  Many regions in China lack adequate specialist teams—including gastroenterologists, nutritionists, and trained nursing staff—who are essential for optimal enteral therapy. This gap limits adoption in rural and underserved regions.

• Regulatory Variations and Compliance Requirements
  Enteral feeding tubes must meet strict safety and biocompatibility regulations. Variations in approval standards across regions may slow product launches. Manufacturers face stringent validation requirements for material safety and sterility, increasing development costs.

China Enteral Feeding Tubes Market Segmentation

By Tube Type

• Nasogastric (NG) Tubes

• Nasojejunal (NJ) Tubes

• Gastrostomy Tubes (G-Tubes)

• Jejunostomy Tubes (J-Tubes)

• Gastrojejunostomy Tubes (GJ-Tubes)

By Material

• Silicone

• Polyurethane

• PVC

• Others

By Patient Group

• Adults

• Pediatrics

• Neonates

By Application

• Oncology

• Gastroenterology

• Neurology

• Critical Care

• Pediatrics

• Home Nutrition

• Others

By End-User

• Hospitals

• Homecare Settings

• Long-Term Care Facilities

• Specialty Clinics

• Nutrition Support Centers

Leading Key Players

• Fresenius Kabi

• Medtronic plc

• Cardinal Health

• Nestlé Health Science

• Avanos Medical

• Mölnlycke Health Care

• Boston Scientific

• Halyard Health

• ConvaTec Group

• B. Braun Melsungen AG

Recent Developments

• Fresenius Kabi launched advanced gastrostomy tubes in China featuring enhanced anti-kink properties for long-term feeding stability.

• Medtronic plc expanded its enteral feeding solutions in China with improved safety connectors complying with international standards.

• Nestlé Health Science partnered with hospitals in China to strengthen home enteral nutrition support and caregiver training.

• Avanos Medical introduced next-generation clog-resistant feeding tubes in China designed for improved clinical performance.

• B. Braun Melsungen AG deployed new neonatal enteral feeding tubes in China to support premature infant nutrition programs.

This Market Report Will Answer the Following Questions

1. What is the projected market size and growth rate of the China Enteral Feeding Tubes Market by 2031?

2. Which tube types—NG, NJ, gastrostomy, jejunostomy—are most widely adopted across China?

3. How are advancements in materials, safety connectors, and anti-clog designs shaping the market?

4. What clinical and economic challenges affect adoption in hospital and homecare settings?

5. Which companies dominate the enteral feeding tube landscape, and what innovations are they introducing?