Exports of Medical Devices Grow 24.6% in 2024 as Brazil Expands Global Recognition in the Sector

Brazilian exports of medical devices closed in 2024 with revenues of USD 1.17 billion, a 24.6% increase compared to 2023. At the same time, imports in the sector also surged 20.49% over the year, reaching USD 9.79 billion.

Among the 125 companies participating in the Brazilian Health Devices (BHD) sector project—an initiative by the Brazilian Medical Device Industry Association (ABIMO) in partnership with ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency)—exports totaled USD 154.5 million in 2024, representing a 3.4% increase. These exports reached 131 countries, with the United States, Argentina, Mexico, Chile, and Colombia as the top destinations. Exports increased in 72 of these countries.

More than 81% of exporting companies recorded an increase in export volume in 2024. Additionally, 84 companies expanded to new markets, and 46 introduced new products to their international portfolio.

During the period, associated companies exported 210 types of medical devices, the main categories being orthopedic articles and devices, dental instruments, prosthetic articles and devices, preparations containing therapeutic substances, medical and surgical instruments, and dental filling cements.

“The positive performance shows that the Brazilian Health Devices project continues to be efficient in its goal of promoting the Brazil brand in the international medical device market,” said José Fernando Dantas, Market Access Coordinator at ABIMO.

Breakdown of Overall Exports

Across Brazil, the medical-hospital products segment remained the most significant in export volume. Representing 68.54% of the total, this sector reached USD 804.89 million in 2024, reflecting a growth of nearly 32% compared to the previous year.

During the period, the dental products vertical exported USD 135.97 million (+11.7%), laboratory product exports reached USD 123.93 million (+15.10%), and rehabilitation segment exports totaled USD 109.48 million (+7.01%).

Heart valves, liquid distribution and dosing equipment, plastic medical bags, orthopedic articles and devices, and sterilized catgut sutures were the most exported medical devices in 2024.

Key Export Destinations

In 2024, Brazilian medical device exports were primarily destined for countries in the Americas, which accounted for 63.1% of all exports from the national industry. The region’s main buyers were the United States, Argentina, and Mexico.

Even so, Brazilian products continued to gain market space worldwide. European countries accounted for 20.86% of acquisitions, Asian countries for 14.25%, and Africa and Oceania combined for 1.78% of total exports. Other major buyers in 2024 included South Korea and the Netherlands.

Medical Device Imports

With the increase in exports and imports, the sector’s trade balance closed in 2024 with a deficit of just over USD 8 million.

Brazil imported approximately USD 5 billion in laboratory products during the period, accounting for more than half of total imports. The medical-hospital products segment also saw a high volume of imports, representing 38.93% of the total.

The United States, Germany, China, Ireland, and Switzerland were Brazil’s top suppliers of medical devices.

Among the imported items were immunological products for laboratory use, medical and surgical instruments, laboratory diagnostic reagents, probes, and catheters.

About ABIMO

The Brazilian Medical Device Industry Association (ABIMO) represents Brazil’s health product industry and promotes sustainable growth in both domestic and international markets.

Founded in 1962, the institution has more than 300 members and was created by 25 medical and dental product manufacturers to strengthen, organize, and regulate the sector. Over the years, ABIMO has expanded its support operations to the production chain through committees and working groups that address all the industry’s technical, operational, and associative aspects.

About Brazilian Health Devices

The Brazilian Health Devices (BHD) sector project, executed by ABIMO in partnership with ApexBrasil, aims to promote the export of health-related articles and equipment. Brazilian Health Devices is the brand that brings together Brazilian medical device exporters and represents them internationally.

In 2023, the project supported 137 Brazilian companies, which exported USD 106.6 million of products to more than 137 countries.

Brazilian Health Devices is open to welcoming new medical device manufacturers seeking international expansion. Companies interested in learning more about the project should contact +55 (11) 3285-0155 or [email protected]

About ApexBrasil

The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) promotes Brazilian products and services abroad and attracts foreign investments into strategic sectors of the Brazilian economy.

To achieve its objectives, ApexBrasil carries out various trade promotion activities, such as:

• Trade missions and business matchmaking events
• Support for Brazilian companies at major international fairs
• Visits from foreign buyers and opinion leaders to learn about Brazil’s production infrastructure
• Other business platforms aimed at strengthening the Brazil brand internationally

The agency also coordinates with public and private sector stakeholders to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to Brazil, focusing on strategic sectors that enhance the competitiveness of Brazilian companies and the economy.

Source: ApexBrasil

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