Market Overview
Imports in the healthcare sector experienced a severe downturn due to the devaluation of the Argentine peso in January 2002. To alleviate the cost burdens of the sector, the national government passed Law 25590 and Decree 486/02 (Healthcare/Sanitary Emergency in force from 2002 extended until December 31, 2009). This legislation exempts from taxes and duties imports of some critical new medical products that are not manufactured in Argentina. Niche opportunities for U.S. exports include: ultrasound diagnostic equipment, implants, stents, cardiac valves, pacemakers, hearing aids, specialized disposables (catheters, cannulae, electrodes, hemodialysis filters, surgical instruments), intraocular lenses.
Key Figures
Argentine Market for Medical Equipment and Supplies
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
|
|
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
Total Market Size |
228 |
300 |
355 |
|
Total Local Production |
100 |
120 |
135 |
|
Total Exports |
43 |
44 |
46 |
|
Total Imports |
171 |
224 |
266 |
|
Imports from the U.S. |
-56 |
61 |
88 |
Exchange Rate: 1 USD=3.42 Argentine Pesos (based on average exchange rate for December 2008, published by Department of State)
Market share 2008: United States 33%; Germany 9%; China 8%; Belgium 2%
Sources: The above statistics are unofficial estimates, based on Argentine Customs data and other sources.
Trade Events
In Argentina
| Event: | |
| Dates: | August 12-15, 2009 |
| Place: |
Cordoba, Cordoba Province |
| Description: |
20th Show of Dental Trade and Industry. |
| Event: | |
| Dates: | September 10-12, 2009 |
| Place: |
Costa Salguero Convention Center, Buenos Aires |
| Description: | International Trade Show for Products, Equipment and Services for the Healthcare Sector (with parallel seminars). |
In the United States
| Event: | |
| Dates: | August 12-14, 2009 |
| Place: |
Miami Beach, FL |
| Description: | International Medical Trade Fair and Congress in the United States. |
| Event: | |
| Dates: | October 12-15, 2009 |
| Place: |
Atlanta, GA |
| Description: |
Largest Home Medical Equipment (HME) expo in the United States. |
| Event: | |
| Dates: | November 27 - December 3, 2009 |
| Place: |
New York, NY |
| Description: | The largest Dental Congress and Exposition in the United States. |
Useful Links
Argentine Web Sites
-
Drug, Food
and Medical Technology Administration (ANMAT)
(Spanish)
(Equivalent to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration) - University of Buenos Aires School of Medicine (Spanish)
- Pan American Health Organization - Representation in Argentina (Spanish)
- Buenos Aires National Academy of Medicine (Spanish)
- Association of Institutions of Medical Diagnosis (CADIME) (Spanish)
-
Argentine
Association of Healthcare Centers
(CAES) (Spanish)
(Private Hospitals)
U.S. Web Sites
- Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed)
- American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association.
- Biotech Industry Association (BIO)
- Dental Trade Alliance
- Health Industry Business Communications Council
- Independent Medical Distributors Association
- International Association of Medical Equipment Remarketers and Servicers
- Medical Device Manufacturers Association (MDMA)
- National Association for Home Care & Hospice
- The Association of Electrical and Medical Imaging Equipment Manufacturers
- The Society for Biomaterials
- The Vision Council
Contact Information
Please feel free to contact the U.S. Commercial Service Argentina Specialist for additional information or assistance.
Liliana Paz
Healthcare and Medical Equipment Sector Specialist
U.S. Commercial Service Argentina
Embassy of the United States of America
Av. Colombia 4300
C1425GMN Buenos Aires, Argentina
Phone: (54-11) 5777-4519
Fax: (54-11) 5777-4203
E-mail: Liliana.Paz@mail.doc.gov
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