CBI News Bulletin November / December 2005

CBI News Bulletin Page 16 European Market Information
MEDICAL DEVICES
The share of developing countries
in European Union imports of
medical devices and disposables is
growing rapidly. The total amount
of EU imports in this sector grew
by just under 1% between 2002
and 2004, whereas imports originating
in developing countries
grew by over 10%.
Along with the United States, the
European Union is the world’s leading
market for medical devices and medical
disposables. With a population of 454
million people, the enlarged EU has an
abundance of potential end-users, while
its strong economy is encouraging high
per capita consumption in this sector.
In 2003, the total value of consumed
medical devices and disposables was €
19 billion. The total production within
the EU of medical devices and medical
disposables amounted to € 24 billion.
The main players in the industry are
Germany (50% of production), Italy
EU medical sector
looks abroad for
cheaper deals
(16%), France (11%) and Denmark (5%).
A few large enterprises control the
European market for this sector. At the
same time the EU is facing growing competition
from non-EU countries. High
labour costs are forcing manufacturers to
increasingly shift production to developing
countries.
Import figures confirm this trend.
Imports from developing countries comprise
about 5.4% of total imports.
However, the value of imports from
developing countries is growing much
faster than the overall imports: while
total imports grew by just under 1%
between 2002 and 2004, imports from
developing countries grew by over 10%.
The value of EU imports of medical
devices and disposables was € 34 billion
in 2004. Germany is the largest EU
importer, followed by France and the
United Kingdom. Together, these three
countries account for almost half (44%)
of total EU imports. Other importers
include the Netherlands (12%), Italy
(10%), Belgium (8%), Spain (5%). The
new EU members account for 5% of total
imports, the remaining EU countries for
16%.
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