Medical Equipment, Instruments, and Supplies
Market Overview
Medical equipment imports during 2011 experienced an exceptional surge. While imports decreased in general in 2012, imports from the U.S. grew slightly. The United States continues to be the leading supplier of imported medical products and currently holds 26 percent market share, particularly in high-technology products. Imports in the overall medical product sector have been estimated to traditionally account for around 70 percent of the total market.
Imports of medical products must be performed by an importer registered with the ANMAT (the Argentine equivalent to the FDA) as a frequent importer of medical equipment.
Sub- Sector Best Prospects
Opportunities within the market for U.S. exports include middle and high-end technology products that do not compete with locally manufactured ones, among which are electro diagnostic equipment, ultrasound equipment, and other instruments and apparatus. There may also be potential in the market for implants, stents, cardiac valves, pacemakers, and specialized disposables.
Opportunities
Medical technology and products developed and produced in the United Sates are highly regarded in Argentina. Medical products that cannot be manufactured locally continue to present strong opportunities for U.S. exporters, particularly when offering high quality products at competitive prices. In any case, product potential should be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Argentina remains a key market for U.S. exports to Latin America. However, recent controls imposed by the Argentine government have made exporting goods from any country to Argentina more difficult. It is important for would-be exporters to Argentina to confirm that their Argentine customer has received all the necessary permits. (Please refer to Chapter 5: Trade Regulations, Customs, and Standards).
Key Figures
(In US$ Millions) |
2011 |
2012 |
2013est |
2014est |
Total Market Size |
649.58 |
636.79 |
654.63 |
677.55 |
Total Local Production |
280.00 |
287.00 |
295.00 |
305.33 |
Total Exports |
55.89 |
62.14 |
63.88 |
66.10 |
Total Imports |
425.47 |
411.93 |
423.50 |
438.33 |
Imports from the U.S. |
99.22 |
101.39 |
104.23 |
107.88 |
Note: Statistics were based on following Mercosur HS Codes: 84.13.19.00.1; 8413.91.90.2; 84.73.3099.910x; 85.40.71.00.100B; 90.11.10; 90.11.90.90.100; 90.12.10.10.000; 90.12.90; 90.18.10; 90.18.20; 90.18.30; 90.18.40; 90.18.50; 90.18.90; 90.19.20; 90.22.10; 90.22.20; 9022.30; 90.22.90; 90.27.90.99.200
Total Market Size = (Total Local Production + Total Imports) – (Total Exports)
Data Sources:
- Total Local Production: Unofficial estimates based on industry reports
- Total Exports: Nosis/Exi-Net export/import database
- Total Imports: Nosis/Exi-Net export/import database
- Imports from U.S.: Nosis/Exi-Net export/import database
2012 market share: United States: 25%; Germany: 12%; Japan: 12%; China: 11%; Brazil 3%
Trade Events
Event: |
ExpoMedical |
In the United States
Event: |
FIME |
Event: |
Medtrade |
Event: |
Greater New York Dental Meeting |
Useful Links
- Drug, Food and Medical Technology Administration (ANMAT) (Spanish)
(Equivalent to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration) - University of Buenos Aires School of Medicine (Spanish)
- Pan American Health Organization - Representation in Argentina (Spanish)
- Buenos Aires National Academy of Medicine (Spanish)
- Association of Institutions of Medical Diagnosis (CADIME) (Spanish)
- Argentine Association of Healthcare Centers (CAES) (Spanish)
(Private Hospitals)
- Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed)
- American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association
- Biotech Industry Association (BIO)
- Dental Trade Alliance
- Health Industry Business Communications Council
- Independent Medical Distributors Association
- International Association of Medical Equipment Remarketers and Servicers
- Medical Device Manufacturers Association (MDMA)
- National Association for Home Care & Hospice
- The Association of Electrical and Medical Imaging Equipment Manufacturers
- The Society for Biomaterials
- The Vision Council
Contact Information
Please feel free to contact the U.S. Commercial Service Argentina Specialist mentioned below for additional information or assistance.
Liliana Paz
Healthcare and Medical Equipment Sector Specialist
U.S. Commercial Service Argentina
Embassy of the United States of America
Av. Colombia 4300
C1425GMN Buenos Aires, Argentina
Phone: (54-11) 5777-4519
Fax: (54-11) 5777-4203
E-mail: Liliana.Paz@trade.gov
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