Medical Equipment, Instruments, and Supplies
Market Overview
Medical equipment imports during 2011 experienced an exceptional surge. Import figures may remain sluggish during the first half of 2012 with the recent addition of new, more stringent import procedures, and it is unlikely that imports will reach such high levels of growth during 2012-2013. The United States continues to lead the Argentine import market of medical products and equipment and currently holds 26 percent market share, particularly in high-end technology products. Imports in the overall medical product sector have been estimated to traditionally account for around 70-75 percent of the total market.
Sub- Sector Best Prospects
Opportunities within the market for U.S. exports include middle and high-end technology products which do not compete with locally manufactured ones, among which are imaging diagnostic equipment, medical ultrasound equipment, and electrocardiograph equipment. 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 to import, particularly when offering high quality products at competitive prices. In any case, product potential should be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Scarce financing available in the local market is an issue. However, two U.S. banks operate in Argentina to offer loans to importers of U.S. equipment using EXIM Bank guarantees, which increases opportunities for sales of U.S. technology.
Key Figures
(In US$ thousands) |
2010 |
2011 |
2012est |
2013est |
Total Market Size |
778,400 |
969,500 |
974,900 |
981,900 |
Total Local Production |
275,500 |
283,000 |
288,700 |
295,500 |
Total Exports |
85,500 |
91,500 |
93,300 |
95,100 |
Total Imports |
586,200 |
778,000 |
779,500 |
781,500 |
Imports from the U.S. |
164,000 |
198,300 |
200,300 |
202,300 |
Total Market Size = (Total Local Production + Total Imports) – (Total Exports)
Data Sources:
- Total Local Production: 2010 Unofficial estimates based on Camara Argentina de Industrias Electronicas, Electromecanicas, Luminotecnicas, Telecomunicaciones, Informatica y Control Automatico-CADIEEL (Argentine Chamber of Manufacturers of Electronic, Electromechanic, Lighting, Telecommunications, IT and Automatic Control Products)
- 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
2011 market share: United States: 26%; Germany: 10%; China: 9%; Japan: 9%;
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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