EU- member states ensure growth of German Medical Devices Industry

According to calculations by the Federal Statistical Office and the Industry Association SPECTARIS in 2006 revenues of the 1.189 companies of the medical technology sector grew by 8,7% to 16 billion Euro in comparison to 2005. Major force behind this growth was export, which grew by 12,8%. In 2006 medical technology products valued at 10.36 billion Euro were sold abroad. Domestic turnover had a positive increase of 2%, which was 5,65 billion Euro the previous year. Thus the export quota grew to almost 65 percent. With a total of 87.545 the number of employees remained almost the same (2005: 87.607). Due to a remarkable innovation drive from within the sector – approximately 7 percent of the revenues are being invested in research and development – SPECTARIS again expects a two-digit revenue-growth abroad. Expectations regarding domestic revenues are on low.

 

“The 2006 branch figures are strong evidence of innovation and international competitiveness in the German Medical Technology companies. We would be very pleased, if it were not for the sector´s Achilles’ heel: the weak domestic market with politically induced investment delays worth up to 30 billion Euros. A positive upturn is not expected from the current health reform, with its sole focus on short term cost reduction and the associated complex regulations. After the political gun smoke died away it is even more important, that all involved in the health care system understand that through investment in modern medical technology a notable efficiency increase can be achieved. Under these circumstances we would have a realistic chance of moving Germany from 3^rd place up to 1^st place in the worldwide ranking of health markets. An important step in achieving this goal would be a closer cooperation between the Research, Economic and Health Ministries in relation to medical technology” says Sven Behrens, CEO of SPECTARIS, the Industry Association for Optical, Medical and Mechatronical Technologies .

 

The main export countries for medical technology manufactured in Germany in 2006 were the EU member countries with an export share of circa 40%. About 12% of the exports went to other European (non-EU) countries. This market saw the highest revenue growth of almost 26 %. With an export share of about 25 %, North America remains the most important non-EU market for the German medical technology sector. In 2006 revenues here increased by 7,3 % . Following North America, Asia takes second place with an export share of 14 % with a revenue increase of 7 %.

 

The German Industry Association for Optical, Medical and Mechatronical Technologies (SPECTARIS) represents companies from the branches Consumer Optics (eyeglass frames, eyeglass lenses, contact lenses, binoculars), Photonics and Precision Technology (Lasers, Optical Components, Analytical, Bioscientific and Laboratory Equipment, Measurement Technology, Imaging and Photo Technology) and Medical Technology.