China's medical device export has gradually entered a period of steady growth with broad development space. Data show that in 2013, China's medical device exports reached 19.335 billion US dollars, an increase of 9.92%; The import volume was 14.975 billion US dollars, an increase of 20.07%, showing a prosperous situation of both import and export, with developed markets and emerging markets advancing hand in hand. As the main export products of medical devices, hospital diagnosis and treatment equipment still maintained a double-digit growth rate. For example, the export value of color ultrasonic diagnostic equipment in 2013 was 477 million US dollars, an increase of 11.39% year on year.

Huge export potential

At present, China's high-end medical device market is still controlled by several famous foreign brands. Medium and high-end medical devices mainly rely on imports, accounting for about 40% of the total market. However, domestic medical devices still have great potential. According to the export data in 2013, with the progress of science and technology and the increase of R & D investment, China's medical device export is gradually entering a steady growth period.

According to the data provided by the medical device branch of China Medical Materials Association, in 2013, the main products exported from China to the United States were X-ray contrast agents, medical non-woven fabrics, hearing aids, cotton wool, gauze, bandages and monitors; The main products exported to Japan are color Doppler ultrasound, medicated cotton, gauze, bandages, wheelchairs, etc; The main products exported to Germany are cotton, gauze, bandage, medical non-woven fabric, ventilator and weight meter. The main export products of medical devices with an amount of over US $100 million are medical catheters, medical cotton, gauze, bandages, disposable or medical non-woven clothing made of chemical fiber, X-ray contrast agents, hearing aids, color Doppler ultrasound, syringes, weight scales, monitors and CT. Although China's export of medical devices is still dominated by low-end, with the rise of some domestic enterprises, China is constantly making breakthroughs in CT, MRI, color Doppler ultrasound and other aspects.

Cai Tianzhi, director of medical device department and honorary chairman of medical dressings branch of China Chamber of Commerce for import and export of medical and health products, said that at present, domestic medical device enterprises are in the process of transformation and upgrading. In the past, the low-level competition mode, such as price competition, will be abandoned. Cooperation and communication will become the mainstream, and enterprises will turn to high-tech, high-tech and high-tech industries More investment will be given to the research and development of high value-added products.

According to the prediction of China Chamber of Commerce for import and export of medical and health care products, in 2014, China's medical device trade is expected to achieve a growth rate of 12%, and the growth rate of import is stronger than that of export, which has become the norm. The total volume of medical device trade in the whole year is close to 40 billion US dollars.

The intensity of foreign merger and acquisition has increased

Throughout 2013, China's M & A of medical devices has increased significantly, transmitting a strong international signal. In April, Fosun acquired up to 95.6% of Alma lasers Ltd, an Israeli manufacturer of medical laser, photon radio frequency and ultrasound equipment. According to arris Williams, Alma accounts for 15% of the global market share of high-end beauty power equipment, with annual sales of nearly $100 million in 2012. In June, Shenzhen Mindray acquired ZONARE medical systems, Inc., an American ultrasonic diagnostic equipment company. In addition, Li Wenmei, chief investment officer of Mindray, told the media that the completion of the acquisition will help to enhance Mindray's R & D and sales capabilities due to the complementarity of products between the two sides. According to industry insiders, the acquisition of ZONARE is an important signal for Mindray to enter the high-end market, and is the result of comprehensive consideration of Mindray from its own products, market positioning and other aspects. In June, Shanghai minimally invasive medical devices purchased the orthopedic business of Wright medical in the United States with us $290 million, becoming the largest M & A case in China's medical device industry. Minimally invasive medicine, which is known as "snake swallowing elephant" in the industry, is in the final analysis of its optimistic about the domestic orthopedic market. It is reported that Wright's products are mainly used to replace or repair deteriorated or damaged knees and hips. According to the industry forecast, by 2018, China's orthopedic market will reach US $3.7 billion, while the global orthopedic market will reach US $37.5 billion.

In September, Shenzhen Mindray acquired ULCO Medical Co., Ltd., an Australian distributor. According to the acquisition agreement, Mindray will obtain mature sales and after-sales service channels of Ulco in Oceania market.