The global horizontal directional drilling (HDD) market size was estimated at USD 8.18 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 16.08 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 11.6% from 2025 to 2030. The market continues to grow as industries increasingly seek efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solutions for underground utility installation.
Key Market Trends & Insights
- North America horizontal directional drilling market held the largest share of 34% of the global market in 2024.
- The horizontal directional drilling market in the U.S. is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period.
- By machine type, boring machines held the highest market share of 44% in 2024.
- Based on technology, the conventional segment held the highest market share in 2024.
- Based on machine size, the midi segment held the highest market share in 2024.
Market Size & Forecast
- 2024 Market Size: USD 8.18 Billion
- 2030 Market Size: USD 16.08 Billion
- CAGR (2025–2030): 11.6%
- North America: Largest regional market
- Asia Pacific: Fastest-growing regional market
Horizontal directional drilling technology enables the installation of underground pipelines, cables, and conduits with minimal surface disturbance, making it particularly well-suited for urban environments and difficult terrains. Major adoption across oil & gas, telecommunications, water & wastewater, and power distribution sectors continues to drive demand globally.
In North America, robust infrastructure development and sustainability-focused initiatives significantly support HDD adoption. The U.S. leads regional growth due to large-scale replacement of aging underground infrastructure, expansion of fiber-optic networks, and deployment of underground systems for renewable energy integration. Regulatory encouragement for trenchless construction methods and increasing urban density further enhance market expansion.
Europe also represents a major regional market, with Germany, the UK, and France at the forefront due to their strict environmental regulations and emphasis on minimizing surface disruption during construction. Investments in urban modernization, renewable energy grids, and underground utility networks continue to strengthen demand for HDD systems. Collaboration between European contractors and global HDD technology providers, supported by government incentives for low-impact construction, positions the region as a significant contributor to global growth.
Order a free sample PDF of the Horizontal Directional Drilling Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.
Key HDD Company Insights
Major companies operating in the global HDD market include Barbco, Inc., Vermeer Corporation, Direct Horizontal Drilling, Inc., The Charles Machine Works, Inc. (Ditch Witch), The Toro Company, Horizontal Technology, Inc., Vision Directional Drilling, Kondex Corporation U.S.A., and VMT GmbH Gesellschaft Für Vermessungstechnik.
Leading Horizontal Directional Drilling Companies
- Barbco, Inc.
- Vermeer Corporation
- Direct Horizontal Drilling, Inc.
- The Charles Machine Works, Inc. (Ditch Witch)
- The Toro Company
- McLaughlin Group, Inc.
- Laney Directional Drilling Co.
- Ellingson Companies
- VMT GmbH Gesellschaft Für Vermessungstechnik
Conclusion
The global HDD market is set for strong expansion as industries increasingly prioritize trenchless, environmentally conscious solutions for underground infrastructure development. With robust demand across utilities, telecom, and energy sectors, along with active government support for sustainable construction practices, HDD technology is expected to remain a vital part of future infrastructure modernization. Advancements in drilling precision, monitoring systems, and machine capabilities will continue to enhance productivity and safety, ensuring steady market momentum through 2030.
Explore Horizon Databook – The world’s most expansive market intelligence platform developed by Grand View Research.