Global Mass Flow Controller Market

Global Mass Flow Controller Market Size, Share, Growth Analysis, By Type(Direct, Indirect), By Material Type(Stainless Steel, Exotic Alloys), By Media(Gas, Liquid), By Flow Rate(Low Flow Rate, Medium Flow Rate) - Industry Forecast 2024-2031


Report ID: SQMIG45J2048 | Region: Global | Published Date: April, 2024
Pages: 157 | Tables: 116 | Figures: 76

Global Mass Flow Controller Market Insights

Mass Flow Controller Market size was valued at USD 0.95 billion in 2019 and is poised to grow from USD 1 billion in 2023 to USD 1.55 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5% in the forecast period (2024-2031).

A Mass Flow Controller is a device that regulates the flow rate of fluids, gases, and liquids in order to achieve accurate measurement. The controllers are designed differently depending on the type of gas or liquid and the flow rate range. The flow rate is automatically controlled by the controller, which is unaffected by changes in gas pressure. The mass flow sensor, inlet and outlet ports, and proportional control valve are all included. It is used extensively in the chemical, electronics, metal, and mining industries.

Due to rising demand in the semiconductor industry, the Global Mass Flow Controller Market is booming. Additionally, the growing demand for mass flow controllers in renewable energy applications is propelling the Mass Flow Controller Market forward. Technological advancements sparked a surge in demand for intelligent smart flow meters, boosting the Mass Flow Controller Market growth. Mass flow controllers are critical in the quality control of a variety of medical devices, and several key industry players have jumped at the chance to use them to combat the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

The outbreak of COVID-19 in 2019 has pushed governments throughout the world to take urgent steps to protect public health, going from a single case in China to a global pandemic in less than three months. The worldwide health crisis has harmed economic development forecasts and thrown the energy Mass Flow Controller Market into disarray. Additional production adjustments agreed to by OPEC and non-OPEC countries in the Declaration of Cooperation for the first quarter of 2020 have bolstered oil markets. In terms of the economy, stocks, equities, financial instruments, metals, commodities, and oil, all indices have declined in the last week of March and throughout April. Crude oil prices have been steadily declining since the beginning of 2020. Consumer demand has fallen as a result of the virus's continuous spread, which has harmed the economy and led to tensions between two of the world's top oil producers, Russia and Saudi Arabia, in early March. All of these reasons are predicted to have a negative impact on the oil and gas industry's mass flow controller market.

US Mass Flow Controller Market is poised to grow at a sustainable CAGR for the next forecast year.

Market snapshot - 2024-2031

Global Market Size

USD 0.95 billion

Largest Segment

Low Flow Rate

Fastest Growth

Low Flow Rate

Growth Rate

5% CAGR

Global Mass Flow Controller Market 2021-2028 ($ Bn)
Country Share for Asia-Pacific Region- 2021 (%)
Global Mass Flow Controller Market Size by Flow Rate, 2021-2028 ($ Bn)
Global Mass Flow Controller Market Size by, Flow Rate 2021-2028 (%)

To get more reports on the above market click here to Buy The Report

Global Mass Flow Controller Market Segmental Analysis

The Global Mass Flow Controller Market is segmented based on Type, Material Type, Media, Flow rate, Application, and Region. Based on Type it is categorized into Direct, Indirect. Based on Material Type it is categorized into Stainless Steel, Exotic Alloy, and Others. Based on Media it is categorized into Gas, Liquid, and Others. Based on Flow rate it is categorized into Low Flow Rate, Medium Flow Rate, and High Flow Rate. Based on the region it is categorized into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and MEA.

Mass Flow Controller Market Analysis by Flow Rate

Mass flow controllers with low flow rates are projected to grow as they are essential in the pharmaceutical business for measuring and controlling various media (gas and liquid). In the medical field, for example, mass flow controls are employed in breathing machines. The controllers' ultra-low flow measuring, and control capacity improves the accuracy of ventilation devices while also providing efficient control and safety for patients. The adoption of mass flow controllers in pharmaceuticals, medical, and healthcare products to improve safety and accuracy will propel the mass flow controller market forward.

Global Mass Flow Controller Market By Flow Rate, 2021 (%), 2023 (%)

To get detailed analysis on other segments, Request For Free Sample Report

Global Mass Flow Controller Market Regional Insights

During the projected period, the mass flow controller market in APAC is expected to develop at the fastest rate. In 2020, Asia pacific had a revenue share of 56% which was considered the highest among other comparable regions. The region will grow by a modest 6% in the future. Increasing semiconductor industry investments and the rising need for efficient measurement and control devices, as well as industrial automation, are among the primary factors driving the Mass Flow Controller Market in this region. The majority of the major companies in the mass flow controller market have manufacturing capacity in APAC since the cost of production in this region is cheaper than in other regions.

Global Mass Flow Controller Market By Geography, 2021 - 2028, 2024-2031
  • Largest
  • Fastest

To know more about the market opportunities by region and country, click here to
Buy The Complete Report

Global Mass Flow Controller Market Dynamics

Mass Flow Controller Market Driver

  • With the rapid spread of the coronavirus, the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors are poised to deal with one of the world's most rapidly growing health catastrophes. The manufacture of all important medical equipment necessary to cure COVID-19 patients is increasing. Mass flow controllers are critical in the quality control of various types of medical equipment, and numerous significant industry companies have seized the chance to combat the lethal coronavirus epidemic. In addition, the increased emphasis on the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), smart factories, and industrial automation in the post-COVID-19 period will stimulate demand for controller technologies and complex process technologies, such as flow metering and control.
  • The pharmaceutical industry is expected to expand at the fastest rate over the projected period. Mass flow controllers with low flow rates are essential in the pharmaceutical business for measuring and controlling various media (gas and liquid). The adoption of mass flow controllers in pharmaceuticals, medical, and healthcare products to improve safety and accuracy will propel the mass flow controller Mass Flow Controller Market forward.

Mass Flow Controller Market Restraint

  • Variations in differential pressure cause an offset in flow measurement. A control valve's internal mechanism employs a spring to prevent variations in the differential pressure across the valve. Extreme differential pressure fluctuations generate tuning and range-related issues in control valves, resulting in a continuous offset. High-pressure applications are hampered by factors such as tuning challenges and large changes in differential pressure. For a few specialized applications, the outlet pressure must be much greater than the mass flow controller's required and programmed pressure; this mostly creates tuning and flow range issues.
  • High initial costs of magnetic flow meters and Coriolis may limit market revenue. This, along with a scarcity of skilled technicians, may stymie overall Mass Flow Controller Market growth. Nonetheless, the increased demand for process automation from regions such as the Asia Pacific is expected to create attractive growth prospects for the Mass Flow Controller Market in the future.

Request Free Customization of this report to help us to meet your business objectives.

Global Mass Flow Controller Market Competitive Landscape

Several companies lead the Mass Flow Controller Market due to significant investments in acquisition and merger operations, research and development, patents, and strong brand value. The business is expected to be highly competitive, with competitors attempting to grow their Mass Flow Controller Market share of mass flow controllers by signing contracts and developing new products.

Mass Flow Controller Market Top Players' Company Profiles

  • Brooks Instrument
  • Burkert Fluid Control Systems 
  • Sierra Instruments
  • Bronkhorst High-Tech BV
  • Sierra Instruments Inc.
  • Alicat Scientific Inc.
  • Sensirion AG
  • Teledyne Hastings Instruments
  • Horiba Ltd.
  • Tokyo Keiso Co. Ltd.
  • Parker Hannifin Corporation
  • Vogtlin Instruments GmbH
  • Azbil Corporation
  • Omron Corporation
  • Fujikin Incorporated
  • Keyence Corporation
  • Yokogawa Electric Corporation
  • Aalborg Instruments & Controls, Inc.
  • Omega Engineering, Inc.

Mass Flow Controller Market Recent Developments

  • In April 2022, Bronkhorst introduced the tiny FLEXI-FLOW, a mass flow control solution that combines a through-chip sensor with by-pass technology. The multifunctional Mass Flow Controller combines a through-chip sensor with by-pass technology to achieve great flow control stability and settling periods of less than 150 milliseconds (millisecond). The compact thermal mass flow meters and controllers are 35 percent smaller than standard instruments and can handle flow rates up to 20 ln/min.
  • In September 2021, Brooks Instruments announced the release of its GP200 Series pressure-based and insensitive mass flow controller, which is intended for CVD and etching procedures in semiconductor manufacturing. According to the business, their new product can also work under extreme vacuum settings.

Global Mass Flow Controller Key Market Trends

  • The key trend observed in the Mass Flow Controller Market is the use of right material to manufacture this device. For instance, there is a growing trend in the Mass Flow Controller Market to use stainless steel mass flow control products in the pharma sector. Qualities such as resistance to high temperatures and pressure make stainless an attractive raw material to be used in MFC in the Pharmaceutical sector. Due to this increasing demand for stainless steel MFC, it is estimated that the Mass Flow Controller Market will grow by 5% CAGR by 2027. Players in the market are now investing in R&D activities to develop new stainless steel MFC.
  • Another trend observed is the Mass Flow Controller Market player's investments in creating and introducing new solutions in the market. For instance, due to the expansion of semiconductor industries in Asia and the USA, the Mass Flow Controller Market for MFC is growing. Considering this scenario, firms such as MKS Instruments, Hitachi, and others are coming up with novel products. For instance, In April 2022, Bronkhorst introduced the tiny FLEXI-FLOW, a mass flow control solution that combines a through-chip sensor with by-pass technology. The multifunctional Mass Flow Controller combines a through-chip sensor with by-pass technology to achieve great flow control stability and settling periods of less than 150 milliseconds (millisecond).

Global Mass Flow Controller Market SkyQuest Analysis

SkyQuest’s ABIRAW (Advanced Business Intelligence, Research & Analysis Wing) is our Business Information Services team that Collects, Collates, Co-relates, and Analyses the Data collected by means of Primary Exploratory Research backed by robust Secondary Desk research. SkyQuest identified the key dominating segments of the Mass Flow Controller Market by offerings and verticals.

As per SkyQuest analysis, the pharmaceutical business is likely to grow at the fastest rate over the forecast period. Low flow rate mass flow controllers are critical in the pharmaceutical industry for monitoring and regulating diverse media (gas and liquid). The use of mass flow controllers in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare items to increase safety and accuracy will drive the mass flow controller Mass Flow Controller Market forward.

Report Metric Details
Market size value in 2023 USD 0.95 billion
Market size value in 2031 USD 1.55 billion
Growth Rate 5%
Forecast period 2024-2031
Forecast Unit (Value) USD Billion
Segments covered
  • Type
    • Direct, Indirect
  • Material Type
    • Stainless Steel, Exotic Alloys, Others
  • Media
    • Gas, Liquid, Others
  • Flow Rate
    • Low Flow Rate, Medium Flow Rate, High Flow Rate
Regions covered North America (US, Canada), Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Rest of Latin America), Middle East & Africa (South Africa, GCC Countries, Rest of MEA)
Companies covered
  • Brooks Instrument
  • Burkert Fluid Control Systems 
  • Sierra Instruments
  • Bronkhorst High-Tech BV
  • Sierra Instruments Inc.
  • Alicat Scientific Inc.
  • Sensirion AG
  • Teledyne Hastings Instruments
  • Horiba Ltd.
  • Tokyo Keiso Co. Ltd.
  • Parker Hannifin Corporation
  • Vogtlin Instruments GmbH
  • Azbil Corporation
  • Omron Corporation
  • Fujikin Incorporated
  • Keyence Corporation
  • Yokogawa Electric Corporation
  • Aalborg Instruments & Controls, Inc.
  • Omega Engineering, Inc.
Customization scope

Free report customization with purchase. Customization includes:-

  • Segments by type, application, etc
  • Company profile
  • Market dynamics & outlook
  • Region

Historical Year 2019

To get a free trial access to our platform which is a one stop solution for all your data requirements for quicker decision making. This platform allows you to compare markets, competitors who are prominent in the market, and mega trends that are influencing the dynamics in the market. Also, get access to detailed SkyQuest exclusive matrix.

Buy The Complete Report to read the analyzed strategies adopted by the top vendors either to retain or gain market share

Table Of Content

Executive Summary

Market overview

  • Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Market Overview
  • Exhibit: Executive Summary – Data Table on Market Overview
  • Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Global Mass Flow Controller Market Characteristics
  • Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Market by Geography
  • Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Market Segmentation
  • Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Incremental Growth
  • Exhibit: Executive Summary – Data Table on Incremental Growth
  • Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Vendor Market Positioning

Parent Market Analysis

Market overview

Market size

  • Market Dynamics
    • Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
      • Drivers
      • Opportunities
      • Restraints
      • Challenges
  • SWOT Analysis

KEY MARKET INSIGHTS

  • Technology Analysis
    • (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of technology and details)
  • Pricing Analysis
    • (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of technology and pricing details)
  • Supply Chain Analysis
    • (Exhibit: Detailed Supply Chain Presentation)
  • Value Chain Analysis
    • (Exhibit: Detailed Value Chain Presentation)
  • Ecosystem Of the Market
    • Exhibit: Parent Market Ecosystem Market Analysis
    • Exhibit: Market Characteristics of Parent Market
  • IP Analysis
    • (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of product/technology, patents filed, inventor/company name, acquiring firm)
  • Trade Analysis
    • (Exhibit: Data Table: Import and Export data details)
  • Startup Analysis
    • (Exhibit: Data Table: Emerging startups details)
  • Raw Material Analysis
    • (Exhibit: Data Table: Mapping of key raw materials)
  • Innovation Matrix
    • (Exhibit: Positioning Matrix: Mapping of new and existing technologies)
  • Pipeline product Analysis
    • (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of companies and pipeline products, regional mapping)
  • Macroeconomic Indicators

COVID IMPACT

  • Introduction
  • Impact On Economy—scenario Assessment
    • Exhibit: Data on GDP - Year-over-year growth 2016-2022 (%)
  • Revised Market Size
    • Exhibit: Data Table on Global Mass Flow Controller Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
  • Impact Of COVID On Key Segments
    • Exhibit: Data Table on Segment Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
  • COVID Strategies By Company
    • Exhibit: Analysis on key strategies adopted by companies

MARKET DYNAMICS & OUTLOOK

  • Market Dynamics
    • Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
      • Drivers
      • Opportunities
      • Restraints
      • Challenges
  • Regulatory Landscape
    • Exhibit: Data Table on regulation from different region
  • SWOT Analysis
  • Porters Analysis
    • Competitive rivalry
      • Exhibit: Competitive rivalry Impact of key factors, 2021
    • Threat of substitute products
      • Exhibit: Threat of Substitute Products Impact of key factors, 2021
    • Bargaining power of buyers
      • Exhibit: buyers bargaining power Impact of key factors, 2021
    • Threat of new entrants
      • Exhibit: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors, 2021
    • Bargaining power of suppliers
      • Exhibit: Threat of suppliers bargaining power Impact of key factors, 2021
  • Skyquest special insights on future disruptions
    • Political Impact
    • Economic impact
    • Social Impact
    • Technical Impact
    • Environmental Impact
    • Legal Impact

Market Size by Region

  • Chart on Market share by geography 2021-2027 (%)
  • Data Table on Market share by geography 2021-2027(%)
  • North America
    • Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
    • Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
    • USA
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • Canada
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
  • Europe
    • Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
    • Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
    • Germany
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • Spain
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • France
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • UK
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • Rest of Europe
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
  • Asia Pacific
    • Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
    • Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
    • China
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • India
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • Japan
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • South Korea
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
  • Latin America
    • Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
    • Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
    • Brazil
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • Rest of South America
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
  • Middle East & Africa (MEA)
    • Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
    • Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
    • GCC Countries
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • South Africa
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • Rest of MEA
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)

KEY COMPANY PROFILES

  • Competitive Landscape
    • Total number of companies covered
      • Exhibit: companies covered in the report, 2021
    • Top companies market positioning
      • Exhibit: company positioning matrix, 2021
    • Top companies market Share
      • Exhibit: Pie chart analysis on company market share, 2021(%)

Methodology

For the Global Mass Flow Controller Market, our research methodology involved a mixture of primary and secondary data sources. Key steps involved in the research process are listed below:

1. Information Procurement: This stage involved the procurement of Market data or related information via primary and secondary sources. The various secondary sources used included various company websites, annual reports, trade databases, and paid databases such as Hoover's, Bloomberg Business, Factiva, and Avention. Our team did 45 primary interactions Globally which included several stakeholders such as manufacturers, customers, key opinion leaders, etc. Overall, information procurement was one of the most extensive stages in our research process.

2. Information Analysis: This step involved triangulation of data through bottom-up and top-down approaches to estimate and validate the total size and future estimate of the Global Mass Flow Controller Market.

3. Report Formulation: The final step entailed the placement of data points in appropriate Market spaces in an attempt to deduce viable conclusions.

4. Validation & Publishing: Validation is the most important step in the process. Validation & re-validation via an intricately designed process helped us finalize data points to be used for final calculations. The final Market estimates and forecasts were then aligned and sent to our panel of industry experts for validation of data. Once the validation was done the report was sent to our Quality Assurance team to ensure adherence to style guides, consistency & design.

Analyst Support

Customization Options

With the given market data, our dedicated team of analysts can offer you the following customization options are available for the Global Mass Flow Controller Market:

Product Analysis: Product matrix, which offers a detailed comparison of the product portfolio of companies.

Regional Analysis: Further analysis of the Global Mass Flow Controller Market for additional countries.

Competitive Analysis: Detailed analysis and profiling of additional Market players & comparative analysis of competitive products.

Go to Market Strategy: Find the high-growth channels to invest your marketing efforts and increase your customer base.

Innovation Mapping: Identify racial solutions and innovation, connected to deep ecosystems of innovators, start-ups, academics, and strategic partners.

Category Intelligence: Customized intelligence that is relevant to their supply Markets will enable them to make smarter sourcing decisions and improve their category management.

Public Company Transcript Analysis: To improve the investment performance by generating new alpha and making better-informed decisions.

Social Media Listening: To analyze the conversations and trends happening not just around your brand, but around your industry as a whole, and use those insights to make better Marketing decisions.

$5,300
BUY NOW GET FREE SAMPLE
Want to customize this report?

Our industry expert will work with you to provide you with customized data in a short amount of time.

REQUEST FREE CUSTOMIZATION

FAQs

Mass Flow Controller Market size was valued at USD 0.95 billion in 2019 and is poised to grow from USD 1 billion in 2023 to USD 1.55 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5% in the forecast period (2024-2031).

Several companies lead the Mass Flow Controller Market due to significant investments in acquisition and merger operations, research and development, patents, and strong brand value. The business is expected to be highly competitive, with competitors attempting to grow their Mass Flow Controller Market share of mass flow controllers by signing contracts and developing new products. 'Brooks Instrument', 'Burkert Fluid Control Systems ', 'Sierra Instruments', 'Bronkhorst High-Tech BV', 'Sierra Instruments Inc.', 'Alicat Scientific Inc.', 'Sensirion AG', 'Teledyne Hastings Instruments', 'Horiba Ltd.', 'Tokyo Keiso Co. Ltd.', 'Parker Hannifin Corporation', 'Vogtlin Instruments GmbH', 'Azbil Corporation', 'Omron Corporation', 'Fujikin Incorporated', 'Keyence Corporation', 'Yokogawa Electric Corporation', 'Aalborg Instruments & Controls, Inc.', 'Omega Engineering, Inc.'

With the rapid spread of the coronavirus, the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors are poised to deal with one of the world's most rapidly growing health catastrophes. The manufacture of all important medical equipment necessary to cure COVID-19 patients is increasing. Mass flow controllers are critical in the quality control of various types of medical equipment, and numerous significant industry companies have seized the chance to combat the lethal coronavirus epidemic. In addition, the increased emphasis on the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), smart factories, and industrial automation in the post-COVID-19 period will stimulate demand for controller technologies and complex process technologies, such as flow metering and control.

The key trend observed in the Mass Flow Controller Market is the use of right material to manufacture this device. For instance, there is a growing trend in the Mass Flow Controller Market to use stainless steel mass flow control products in the pharma sector. Qualities such as resistance to high temperatures and pressure make stainless an attractive raw material to be used in MFC in the Pharmaceutical sector. Due to this increasing demand for stainless steel MFC, it is estimated that the Mass Flow Controller Market will grow by 5% CAGR by 2027. Players in the market are now investing in R&D activities to develop new stainless steel MFC.

During the projected period, the mass flow controller market in APAC is expected to develop at the fastest rate. In 2020, Asia pacific had a revenue share of 56% which was considered the highest among other comparable regions. The region will grow by a modest 6% in the future. Increasing semiconductor industry investments and the rising need for efficient measurement and control devices, as well as industrial automation, are among the primary factors driving the Mass Flow Controller Market in this region. The majority of the major companies in the mass flow controller market have manufacturing capacity in APAC since the cost of production in this region is cheaper than in other regions.

Request Free Customization

Want to customize this report? This report can be personalized according to your needs. Our analysts and industry experts will work directly with you to understand your requirements and provide you with customized data in a short amount of time. We offer $1000 worth of FREE customization at the time of purchase.

logo-images

Feedback From Our Clients

Global Mass Flow Controller Market

Product ID: SQMIG45J2048

$5,300
BUY NOW GET FREE SAMPLE