Buoyed by a Strong Domestic Base, Brazil's Medical Device Industry Eyes Export Markets

Helped by a large and fast-growing domestic market, as well as a local-manufacture share as high as 90%, Brazil's homegrown medical device industry has been on a path of major expansion, and is now gearing itself to become a major player in the international arena.

ABIMO's role
An important role in this success story can be attributed to the national industry association, incorporating some 245 manufacturers in the field. Known as ABIMO (an acronym that stands for the Brazilian Association of Medical, Dental, Hospital and Laboratory Product Manufacturers), the organization was established in 1962 and accounts for 70% of the sector's sales. ABIMO initiated the standardization of medical products, plays a key role in a commission that governs technical standards, and works together with the International Standards Organization (ISO) to improve quality. A recent study by ABIMO revealed current data on the total market in terms of its six principal segments: dental, laboratory, radiology, hospital/medical equipment, implants, and disposables. With 319 companies represented, Brazil's manufacturers in the field attained a sales volume of nearly US$1.5 billion in 2001, while employing some 65,000 people. In sales revenue, the most significant segments were equipment ($394 million), disposables ($368 million), and dental ($270 million).

Hospitalar 2002
Hospitalar, Brazil's annual showcase for the hospital/medical sector, was held at Sao Paulo in June 2002. The event, spread over 27,000 sq. m. of exhibition space, was co-sponsored by ABIMO. More than 66,000 visitors attended during its four days, with 730 exhibitors displaying their products. Visitors included hospital administrators, doctors, nurses, manufacturers, distributors, importers, and other decision-makers. There was a 19% increase over last year in foreign participants, with some 900 visitors arriving from 40 countries. "All forecasts were confirmed, with a significant increase in the number of visitors and a 10% increase in volume of business generated,” said Dr. Waleska Santos, president of Hospitalar.

A drive to boost exports
ABIMO recently signed an agreement with the Brazilian Government's Export Promotion Agency (APEX) aimed at encouraging medical device exports. The partnership is expected to boost Brazil's medical device exports by an annual rate of 15% from the current base of $152 million in 2001. At Hospitalar 2002, ABIMO hosted an impressive contingent of international buyers, in order to introduce them to Brazilian vendors. "A diverse range of international markets, including those like Indonesia and India, are practically untapped and they represent a strong potential for our products, which is why we need to assist our members in serving them,” commented Hely Audrey, general secretary of ABIMO.


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Hospitalar
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