Value of China's imports of color ultrasonic devices double in 5-year period
Shanghai. May 5. INTERFAX-CHINA - China's imports of color ultrasonic diagnostic devices were worth $583 million in 2010, more than double the value in 2006, according to figures released May 4 by the China Chamber of Commerce for Import Export of Medicines Health Products.
The value of color ultrasonic diagnostic device imports grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.67 percent over the five-year period, up from $295 million in 2006.
The chamber attributed the growth to equipment upgrades in China's grassroots medical institutions brought about by the health care reform.
The U.S., Japan, South Korea, Austria and Norway were the top importers of the devices to China in 2010, accounting for 86 percent of total imports.
A total of 314 companies were involved in the import trade, including 41 foreign companies. And about 61 percent of imported devices went to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong Province.
Meanwhile, some 78 companies exported color ultrasonic diagnostic devices worth a total of $273 million from China in 2010. The top five destinations were the U.S., the Netherlands, Germany, India and Japan.
According to the chamber, domestic firms mainly produce mid- and low-end products, while China's high-end market is dominated by foreign players.
- KZ