Medical instruments trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in medical instruments was worth $175.97 billion in 2024, about 4.71 million tonnes. That is an increase of 53% since 2017, and up 3% on 2023.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
World trade by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $175.97B | 4.71M t |
| 2023 | $170.48B | 4.19M t |
| 2022 | $157.08B | 4.01M t |
| 2021 | $153.54B | 4.12M t |
| 2020 | $135.29B | 4.21M t |
| 2019 | $133.53B | 2.36M t |
| 2018 | $125.47B | 2.24M t |
| 2017 | $114.85B | 2.00M t |
Top medical instruments exporting countries
The United States is the largest exporter with 20% of world exports, followed by Mexico and Germany. The top three supply 42% between them, out of 222 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $35.78B | 20% |
| Mexico | $19.28B | 11% |
| Germany | $18.36B | 10% |
| China | $13.48B | 7.7% |
| Ireland | $10.78B | 6.1% |
| Netherlands | $8.74B | 5% |
| Costa Rica | $7.10B | 4% |
| Japan | $7.09B | 4% |
| Switzerland | $4.63B | 2.6% |
| France | $3.94B | 2.2% |
| Malaysia | $3.75B | 2.1% |
| Italy | $3.30B | 1.9% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The United States is the biggest buyer with 23% of world imports, ahead of the Netherlands and Germany. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 40% across 226 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $41.28B | 24% |
| Netherlands | $15.56B | 8.8% |
| Germany | $12.71B | 7.2% |
| China | $9.89B | 5.6% |
| Japan | $6.67B | 3.8% |
| France | $6.28B | 3.6% |
| Belgium | $5.74B | 3.3% |
| Mexico | $5.41B | 3.1% |
| United Kingdom | $4.81B | 2.7% |
| Italy | $4.48B | 2.6% |
| Canada | $4.17B | 2.4% |
| Spain | $3.26B | 1.9% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $37.39 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Costa Rica averaged $165.72 per kg and China $20.89 per kg, so grade and origin matter.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments worldwide. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 9018: Instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences, including scintigraphic apparatus, other electro-medical apparatus and sight testing instruments. HS 9018 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most medical instruments?
The United States exported $35.78 billion in 2024, 20% of the world total, followed by Mexico (11%) and Germany (10%). In all, 222 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most medical instruments?
The United States imported $41.28 billion in 2024, 23% of world imports, ahead of the Netherlands (9%) and Germany (7%). The top three importers together take 40%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in medical instruments?
It was worth $175.97 billion in 2024, about 4.71 million tonnes. That is an increase of 53% since 2017. 2024 was the highest year since 2017. 222 countries reported exports and 226 reported imports.
What is the average price of medical instruments per kg?
The world average declared value was about $37.39 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Costa Rica averaged $165.72 per kg and China $20.89 per kg, so grade and origin matter. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so treat it as a benchmark, not a quote.
What is the HS code for medical instruments?
The HS code for medical instruments is heading 9018, in chapter 90 (optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 9018 page.
How can I find medical instruments buyers and suppliers?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX shows the importers and exporters behind this trade from shipment-level customs records, updated weekly, with direct customs feeds and mirror data. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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