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Imports
In 2000, total
EU imports of medical devices and medial disposables amounted
to a volume of 1,040,978 tonnes with a total value of US$
10,169 million. Between 1998 and 2000 total EU imports of
medical devices and medial disposables increased by 3 percent
in value and 24 percent in volume, marking a decline in
average US$ prices.
Leading
importers of medical devices and medial disposables in 2000
include, in order of import volumes, Germany, France, the
Netherlands, UK and Belgium.
In 2000 EU
imports of medical devices and medial disposables from
developing countries amounted to approximately 133,000 tonnes,
with a value of US$ 714 million. Overall this represents 7
percent of the value and 13 percent of the volume of the total
EU imports of medical devices and medial disposables.
In the period 19998-2000,
imports of medical devices and medial disposables from
developing countries increased 15 percent in volume (from
116,000 to 133,000 tonnes). Nevertheless, the share of
developing countries in the total volume of imports
experienced a small decline compared to 1998. EU imports
of medical devices and medial disposables from developing
countries decreased in value (from US$ 728 to US$ 714
million), reflected by a 0.4 percent decline in their share in
total imports.
The EU imports of medical devices and
medial disposables from developing countries were particularly
high for ‘Latex medical disposables’ (63 percent of total
EU import value), and to a lesser extent for ‘Wadding, gauze
and bandages’ and ‘Surgical instruments and appliances’
(both 8 percent), and ‘Syringes, needles and catheters’ (3
percent).
Exports
In 2000 the EU exported 1,006 thousand
tones of medical devices and medial disposables, with a value
of US$ 11,116 million. Since 1998, the total value of exports
has increased by 7 percent, while the volume increase was even
bigger:13 percent. Medical disposables accounted for 63
percent of exports and medical devices for 37 percent.
The most
important export products in value included ‘Syringes,
needles and catheters’ (29 percent), ‘Nappies and similar
hygiene products’ (16 percent), ‘Electro diagnostic
apparatus’ (12 percent) and ‘Wadding, gauze and bandages’
(10 percent).
The leading EU
exports of medical devices and medial disposables in 1999 were
Germany (26 percent of total EU export value), the Netherlands
(13 percent), UK and Belgium (both 11 percent) and France (10
percent).
Opportunities for exports
Due to the increasing importance of time
saving products and extramural health care, the EU demand for
medical devices and medial disposables is expected to exhibit
modest growth in the near future.
There are opportunities for these products
since it is too costly for producers to produce low profile
bulk goods within the EU. Moreover, some developing countries
have important natural resources, like cotton, available at
hand. In2000, products from developing countries that were
imported into the EU in relatively large amounts, and which
have therefore good opportunities for exporters, were :
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Latex medical disposables;
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Wadding, gauze and bandages;
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Surgical instruments and appliances;
and Syringes, needles and catheters.
The trade
channel offering the best chances for developing countries is
the importer/manufacturer or the agent because of their
knowledge of the EU market.
A few large
companies manufacturing medical devices and medial disposables
in the EU are Lohmann (Germany), Smiths & Nephew (UK),
Brunswick (Belgium) and Philips Medical (the Netherlands).
Market
research
This EU Market
Survey and the EU strategic Marketing Guide serve as a basis
for further market research: after you have read this survey
and filled in the frameworks in the strategic marketing guide
it is important to further research by your target markets,
sales channels and potential customers.
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Market research
depends on secondary data (data that have been compiled and
published earlier) and primary data (information that you
collect yourself). An example of secondary data is this EU
Market Survey. Primary data are neeed when secondary data are
falling short of your needs, for example when researching your
specific type of consumer about the acceptance of your
specific product. Sources of information are among others
(statistical) databanks, newspapers and magazines, market
reports (annual reports from branch associations, but also
shops in largest countries, products or catalogues from your
competitors, and conversation with suppliers, specialists,
colleagues and even competitors. In order to judge the
attractiveness of the market, sales channel or customer it is
advised to use/develop a classification or score system.
Top ten developing countries supplying
medical devices and medical diposables to the EU 2000
|
Developing
Country |
EU
imports (in US$ Million) |
EU
imports (tonnes) |
| 1. |
Malaysia |
279 |
63,212 |
| 2. |
China |
134 |
12,059 |
| 3. |
Thailand |
86 |
26,395 |
| 4. |
Mexico |
46 |
2,595 |
| 5. |
Indonesia |
40 |
11,314 |
| 6. |
South
Korea |
22 |
631 |
| 7. |
Sri
Lanka |
18 |
4,971 |
| 8. |
India |
16 |
3,010 |
| 9. |
Slovenia |
9 |
1,585 |
| 10. |
Pakistan |
8 |
308 |
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