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EU MARKET SURVEY

Medical Devices and Medical Disposables

Page 02

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 :

  • Latex medical disposables;

  • Wadding, gauze and bandages;

  • 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.

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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