Argentina - Medical TechnologyArgentina- Medical Technology
Overview
The Argentine medical equipment and device market is dominated by imports, which traditionally accounts for around 70-75% of the total market. The United States continues to be the leading supplier of imported medical products and currently holds a 25% market share, followed by China, Germany, and Japan.
After the gradual releasing of some import restrictions at the end of 2015, imports in the medical equipment and device sector had double-digit growth, however the sector subsided in later years. Further growth in the sector in the coming year depends greatly on the overall investment climate and general economic growth.
Unit: USD millions
Note: Statistics were based on following Mercosur HS Codes: 84.13.19.00.1; 8413.91.90.2; 84.73.30.99.910x; 85.40.71.00.100B; 90.11.10.00.000.G; 90.11.90.90.100.N; 90.12.10.10.000.K; 90.12.90; 90.18.1; 90.18.20; 90.18.3; 90.18.4; 90.18.50; 90.18.90; 90.19.20; 90.22.10; 90.22.2; 90.22.30.00; 90.22.90; 90.27.90.99.100.N; 90.27.90.99.200.U
Total Market Size = (Total Local Production + Total Imports) – (Total Exports)
Data Sources: Total Local Production: Unofficial estimates based on industry reports; Exports/Imports/ Market share: Nosis/Exi-Net export/import database
Leading Sub-Sectors
The national healthcare plan emphasizes efficiency, accessibility and modernization. Opportunities for U.S. exports in this sector include middle and high-end technology products, such as electro-diagnostic equipment, e-health technologies and other specialized medical equipment and devices, that do not compete with locally manufactured ones. There may also be potential in the market for implants, stents, cardiac valves, pacemakers, specialized catheters and cannulas, x-ray equipment, and other specialized disposables. Among these products, the largest exports from the United States in 2015 were in the following HS Codes categories: 9018.90.99.190; 9018.90.99.990, and 9018.39.29.900. While clinical laboratory equipment, molecular biology products, and diagnostic reagents are not the focus of this report, this healthcare sector also offers great potential for U.S. exports.
Opportunities
Infrastructure projects for building and updating hospitals in Buenos Aires may present opportunities for U.S. companies to supply equipment. A recent change in Argentine policy for faster Approval of Class I and Class II products should provide quicker market access for U.S. medical companies. Medical products and technology developed and produced in the United States are highly regarded in Argentina. This is particularly relevant for U.S. exporters that offer high quality products at competitive prices.
In this competitive market, much of the demand for mass market technologies is already being met. However, product potential will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
All imports of medical products must be done by an ANMAT (the Argentine equivalent to the FDA) registered importer that has experience importing medical equipment.
Web Resources
ANMAT (National Administration of Medicine, Food, and Medical Technology- equivalent to USFDA)
Association of Argentine Manufacturers of Medical Hospital Equipment
Association of Electronic, Electromechanics, and Electromedicine
For additional information on this industry, including market analysis, trade events, contacts, and the products and services that the U.S. Commercial Service can provide to help you succeed in the Argentine market, please contact Liliana Paz, Industry Specialist.
Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.
The Argentine medical equipment and device market is dominated by imports, which traditionally accounts for around 70-75% of the total market. The United States continues to be the leading supplier of imported medical products and currently holds a 25% market share, followed by China, Germany, and Japan.
After the gradual releasing of some import restrictions at the end of 2015, imports in the medical equipment and device sector had double-digit growth, however the sector subsided in later years. Further growth in the sector in the coming year depends greatly on the overall investment climate and general economic growth.
Unit: USD millions
| 2015 | 2016 | 2017 (estimated) | 2018 (estimated) | |
| Total Market Size | 770.75 | 655.25 | 663.0 | 683.45 |
| Total Local Production | 248.50 | 235.00 | 237.50 | 244.60 |
| Total Exports | 45.97 | 46.10 | 48.80 | 50.25 |
| Total Imports | 568.22 | 466.35 | 474.80 | 489.10 |
| Imports from the U.S. | 151.10 | 116.9 | 124.0 | 130.60 |
| Exchange Rate: 1 USD | 9.5 | 14.7 | 16.5 | 28.1 |
Total Market Size = (Total Local Production + Total Imports) – (Total Exports)
Data Sources: Total Local Production: Unofficial estimates based on industry reports; Exports/Imports/ Market share: Nosis/Exi-Net export/import database
Leading Sub-Sectors
The national healthcare plan emphasizes efficiency, accessibility and modernization. Opportunities for U.S. exports in this sector include middle and high-end technology products, such as electro-diagnostic equipment, e-health technologies and other specialized medical equipment and devices, that do not compete with locally manufactured ones. There may also be potential in the market for implants, stents, cardiac valves, pacemakers, specialized catheters and cannulas, x-ray equipment, and other specialized disposables. Among these products, the largest exports from the United States in 2015 were in the following HS Codes categories: 9018.90.99.190; 9018.90.99.990, and 9018.39.29.900. While clinical laboratory equipment, molecular biology products, and diagnostic reagents are not the focus of this report, this healthcare sector also offers great potential for U.S. exports.
Opportunities
Infrastructure projects for building and updating hospitals in Buenos Aires may present opportunities for U.S. companies to supply equipment. A recent change in Argentine policy for faster Approval of Class I and Class II products should provide quicker market access for U.S. medical companies. Medical products and technology developed and produced in the United States are highly regarded in Argentina. This is particularly relevant for U.S. exporters that offer high quality products at competitive prices.
In this competitive market, much of the demand for mass market technologies is already being met. However, product potential will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
All imports of medical products must be done by an ANMAT (the Argentine equivalent to the FDA) registered importer that has experience importing medical equipment.
Web Resources
ANMAT (National Administration of Medicine, Food, and Medical Technology- equivalent to USFDA)
Association of Argentine Manufacturers of Medical Hospital Equipment
Association of Electronic, Electromechanics, and Electromedicine
For additional information on this industry, including market analysis, trade events, contacts, and the products and services that the U.S. Commercial Service can provide to help you succeed in the Argentine market, please contact Liliana Paz, Industry Specialist.
Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.