Industry profile

The Medical Device Industry in Mexico

In Mexico, medical devices are classified into Class I, II or III, based on the risk involved in their use.

Class I: Inputs known in medical practice that have been proven to be safe and efficient and are not generally introduced into the body.

Class II: Inputs known in medical practice that are generally introduced into the body and are not left there for more than thirty days.

Class III: Inputs recently accepted in medical practice that are introduced into the body and remain there for more than thirty days.

The industry's production in Mexico for 2011 was estimated at 8.562 billion dollars.

According to data from Global Trade Atlas, in 2011 Mexico exported 6.072 billion dollars, ranking eleventh as exporter of medical devices globally; leading exports in Latin America and locating as the main supplier to the United States.

The main products of this industry exported were medical, surgical, dental and veterinarian instruments and devices, which accounted for 78% of Mexican exports of medical devices.

In terms of global trade of medical devices, Mexico ranked:

•Third largest exporter of metal tubular needles and suture needles

•Fifth exporter of medical, surgical, dental or veterinarian instruments and devices.

•Sixth exporter of mechanotherapy, massage and psychotechnical devices.

•Leading exporter of wadding, gauzes and bandages in Latin America.

Companies Established in Mexico

A total of 2,179 economic units specializing in medical devices operate in Mexico. In 2011, 744 companies recorded exports, mainly located in the states of Baja California, Chihuahua, Coahuila, the Federal District, the State of Mexico and Jalisco.

The country's main cluster is located in Baja California; its companies account for more than 36% of the industry’s total national exports, and are mainly related to equipment and component manufacturing and assembly.

Strengths of Mexican Medical Devices Industry

• Human Capital.

  Mexico has very competitive development and human capital capacities: there are more than 16 universities offering undergraduate programs in biomedicine, and more than nine related graduate programs.

• Competitive Costs.

  KPMG's study “Competitive Alternatives 2012” shows that Mexico offers 23.3% savings on medical instrument manufacturing costs over the United States; in addition, it is the country with the lowest costs, compared to nine other industry leaders. Furthermore, Mexico offers cost advantages in areas such as plastics, metallic components and precision manufacturing.

• Export Plataform.

  Mexico's location leads to considerable savings in logistics and close monitoring of the manufacturing process; in addition, it eases plant inspection by health authorities and enables to respond quickly to sudden changes in demand trends.