Latin America is currently undergoing a seismic geopolitical realignment. A region long known for foreign intervention, first by Europe and then the US via the Monroe Doctrine,  is once again becoming a primary theater for great power competition. This shift is not merely rhetorical; it is characterized by a significant, assertive re-engagement by the United States that is aimed at rolling back external influences and cementing hemispheric dominance.

This aggressive geopolitical pivot has profound implications for commercial sectors across the board. However, few industries are as sensitive to these shifts — or as critical to national stability — as the medical equipment and device market. As Washington exerts newfound economic and military pressure on the region, the market for medical equipment and devices will face its most significant disruption since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Hard Power Pivot: Washington Reasserts Control

For years, US influence in Latin America was viewed as waning and characterized by neglect that allowed other global actors to step into the void. That era now appears to be over. Washington has initiated a strategy defined by hard power and coercive diplomacy aimed at ensuring regional alignment with US interests.

The most startling manifestation of this new reality is the recent operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. This action sent a shockwave through every capital in the Western Hemisphere and showed that the US is willing to utilize direct intervention to achieve its strategic goals.

On a smaller scale, the US is still trying to impose its will on the region in other ways. Thinly veiled warnings directed at key regional players like Mexico and Colombia regarding trade compliance, migration enforcement, and drug policy have reinforced the message: Alignment with Washington is no longer optional.

These actions inevitably create severe tensions in commercial relations among nations. When diplomacy is conducted through the lens of national security and military capability, standard trade relationships become volatile. Sovereignty concerns are heightened, and nations become wary of economic leverage being used as a political weapon. The immediate outcome of this posture is a climate of uncertainty that forces Latin American governments to recalculate their foreign policy risks, their economic priorities, and their alliances.

The Context: The Dragon in the Operating Room

To understand the impact of this US resurgence on the medical market, one must first understand the status quo. Over the past decade, and accelerating dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, China has become the undisputed primary supplier of medical devices and equipment to Latin America. 

When the pandemic struck and Western nations hoarded ventilators, PPE, and diagnostic tools, Beijing stepped in with “mask diplomacy.” Even amidst manufacturing limitations, trade restrictions, and logistical barriers, Chinese manufacturers provided rapid, affordable access to medical equipment when few others could or would.

Consequently, Chinese products — from high-end imaging scanners in Brazilian hospitals to basic consumables in Peruvian clinics — became ubiquitous throughout Latin America. This dominance was built not just on price, but on availability and a lack of viable alternatives during a global emergency. In recent years, this trend solidified, with Chinese medical imports frequently outpacing American products across the region.

Chinese medical products went from representing 25% of imports into Latin America in 2018 to 34% in 2024. Meanwhile, the share of US imports into the region fell from 38% to 28% over the same period. This trend was seen most notably in Brazil, Colombia, and Chile, where Chinese products represent over 50% of all medical devices imported.

The Short-Term Shock: A Forced Realignment

The newfound US assertiveness is poised to disrupt this Chinese-dominated landscape almost immediately. In the short term, we can expect the US to leverage its political wins (like the neutralization of the Maduro regime) and its pressure campaigns on Mexico and Colombia to force a commercial pivot.

Over the next 24 months, we are likely to see the opening of a long-forgotten healthcare market in Venezuela. Interestingly, the seizing of Venezuelan oil and the fall of the Maduro regime has also placed immediate pressure on Cuba’s already fragile system, so Cuba may well be the subsequent market to open to investment. 

Healthcare systems in both Venezuela and Cuba will need to be redesigned. The initial focus will be placed on increasing access to primary care, with investments in specialized hospitals occurring in a secondary phase. Immediate opportunities will arise in almost every area of the healthcare system, from the rebuilding of hospital infrastructure to technology, equipment, devices, consumables, and pharmaceuticals. Infrastructure, distribution, servicing, and financial models will need to be reassessed and, in many cases, rebuilt from the ground up. 

In established and existing markets, we can expect explicit demands or strongly worded “guidance” for Latin American health ministries to favor US partnerships over alternatives such as the current Chinese trade agreements. This could be facilitated via free trade agreements, tariffs, and financing mechanisms or tied to broader trade concessions. Nations eager to avoid being the next target of US ire, or those seeking to capitalize on a closer relationship with a resurgent Washington, will likely comply.

For all the euphoria associated with the opening of potential markets or commercial opportunities, it is prudent to recognize the uncertainty that surrounds the current context.  While the market may reward quick actions, the volatility of these situations may result in costly undertakings. Caution may be in order.

Long-Term Implications: Fragmentation and Resentment

While the US may achieve short-term market gains through these new interventions into the Latin American markets, the long-term implications are far more nuanced and complex.In a region where 70% of care is delivered by the public sector and where budgets are tight, market drivers (such as pricing) will be difficult to displace. It is unlikely that Latin American nations will completely abandon their commercial ties with China, even under US pressure.

While American products may regain some lost ground, Chinese manufacturers are unlikely to be completely dislodged. Instead of favoring American products for their technological or commercial benefits, we may see countries hedging their bets by buying American high-tech equipment to appease Washington while quietly continuing to source consumables and mid-tier technology from China to keep their budgets manageable.

Furthermore, heavy-handed tactics breed resentment. While Latin American nations may bend to US pressure temporarily, they will likely seek to regain strategic autonomy over the long term.

China, too, will adapt. Rather than just selling exports, Beijing may deepen its strategy by localizing production within Latin America, bypassing trade barriers and embedding itself deeper into the regional economy through technology transfers that the US has historically been reluctant to offer.

Navigating a New World Order

The capture of Nicolás Maduro and pressure on key allies mark a definitive turning point in US-Latin American relations. The era of passive competition is over. Ultimately, the power shifts in Latin America are not merely political maneuvers; they are economic earthquakes with profound implications for everyday commerce.

The medical equipment market serves as a vivid microcosm of this larger struggle, where geopolitical aspirations directly intersect with public health needs and commercial interests. The coming years will undoubtedly witness a delicate dance of diplomacy, economic incentives, and strategic partnerships as Latin American nations navigate a world increasingly shaped by the competing ambitions of global superpowers.

Next Steps

Position your brand for the LatAm pivot. As Washington reasserts dominance in the region, the medical device and pharmaceutical sectors face their most significant disruption in years. Gain clarity on emerging trends and market access risks with GHI’s expert research. Contact us today to see how our data can help you stay ahead of the competition.

Various countries in the region have begun to adopt more advanced surgical tools and equipment. In particular, minimally invasive equipment used for endoscopy, laparoscopy or robotic-assisted procedures has shown substantial growth. Let’s take a closer look at the numbers.

Endoscopy

One medical technology that has seen significant growth and is expected to grow even more in the coming years is endoscopy. An endoscope is a long, flexible tube that can be inserted inside the body to examine internal organs with a light and a camera. In many cases, surgical instruments can be inserted through a channel in the endoscope to remove tissue or perform other surgical procedures.

Endoscopes are often thought of as tools for digestive procedures and are inserted through the mouth or anus, but there are other forms of endoscopy, as well. These include arthroscopy, cystoscopy, hysteroscopy and many more.

In recent years, endoscopy has shown consistent growth in Latin America that has outpaced the growth of other surgical equipment. For example, the “installed base” of equipment in 2023 overall grew by just 4.7%, but endoscopes grew by 10.2% that year, and endoscopy towers grew by 13.7%.

Endoscopy in Latin America by the Numbers

• Revenue of the Latin American endoscopic device market in 2025: $2.2b
• Projected revenue of the market by 2030: $3.1b
• Projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR): 7.14%

Growth in the endoscopy market is consistent all over the region, but major markets like Argentina, Mexico and Brazil are major drivers, with projected CAGRs of 13.6%, 10.1%, and 9.7% respectively.

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is a form of endoscopy, but it’s specifically used to examine and treat the organs of the abdomen and reproductive system via an incision in the abdomen. Like other endoscopic equipment, however, laparoscopy has seen major growth in Latin America in recent years, continued growth in the market is anticipated.

Laparoscopy in Latin America by the Numbers

• Revenue of the Latin American laparoscopic device market in 2023: $2.35b
• Projected revenue of the market by 2033: $4.61b
• Projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR): 7.79%

Like endoscopic equipment in general, laparoscopic equipment has shown growth throughout the region but particularly in countries like Brazil and Mexico, at 12.9% and 9.2% growth in 2023, respectively. Chile also showed significant growth in the laparoscopic equipment market with 12% growth in 2023, while Argentina and Colombia lagged behind at 5% and 4.9% growth that year.

Robotics

Robotic-assisted surgery is a growing market worldwide, and while the reach in Latin America is still fairly small, it’s also showing significant growth, as well as a projected forecast for growth in the years ahead.

Surgical Robotics in Latin America by the Numbers

• Revenue of the Latin American surgical robotics market in 2024: $246.6m
• Projected revenue of the market by 2033: $573.2m
• Projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR): 9.8%

Here again, the demand for surgical robots in Brazil and Mexico is ahead of the rest of the region, but all of Latin America is seeing a rising demand and a forecast for increasing revenues over the next decade.

Why the Rise in Demand?

As these numbers indicate, Latin America is ready and willing to spend the money to update its medical technology and bring its facilities up to date with the latest equipment and devices. What prompted this pivot in the region? The answer is multi-faceted, but one theory is that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed many of the shortcomings of the Latin American healthcare system. Since then, administrators and patients have demanded better treatments, which requires better technology.

Of course, other factors are at play here, as well. Patients are learning more about the less invasive medical procedures that are now available from equipment such as endoscopic, laparoscopic and robotic devices, and they are demanding that their treatments be performed this way. Chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes are also becoming more prevalent, which requires more diagnoses and procedures be performed with these tools.

Upgrading to the latest equipment has benefits for the healthcare facilities as well as the patients. Less invasive procedures from endoscopy, laparoscopy and robotics have improved outcomes and shorter hospital stays. This creates greater satisfaction rates among patients and allows the hospitals to see more patients in a shorter amount of time.

Barriers to Adoption

As with all changes in technology, there are challenges along the way as hospitals begin to upgrade. New equipment is costly, and many public facilities lack the budgets to upgrade as much as they’d desire. This is why some of these devices and equipment, particularly robotics, are growing at a faster rate in private hospitals than in public ones. Even so, tools like endoscopes and laparoscopes are increasingly being seen as the standard of care for many procedures, which puts pressure on public health systems to upgrade, regardless of the associated costs.

Other barriers include the challenges of training or hiring healthcare professionals to run these new devices and equipment. This can make the costs and challenges much greater than simply acquiring the equipment. However, most facilities report long-term benefits in terms of efficiency, outcomes and patient satisfaction when they make these initial investments.

Key Takeaways for Health Care Companies

If your company is in the surgical device and equipment market, these numbers clearly indicate that the entire Latin American region is ripe for growth in the years ahead, particularly in the endoscope, laparoscope and robotics markets. Now is the time to finetune your strategy, not only for private hospitals, but also for the public healthcare systems that are trying to keep up with patient demands.

You can rely on GHI and its suite of data solutions like HospiScope and SurgiScope to check hospital inventory and tailor your strategy where the greatest needs exist. There’s no question that this market will only continue to grow, so it’s time to finalize and implement your sales strategy for 2026 and beyond.

Next Steps

Contact GHI to learn more about surgical trends and their potential impact on the medical device and equipment markets in Latin America. Our team of researchers can provide the analysis you need to gain valuable insights to support strategic decision-making in your industry.

************

Sources:

• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/25126-endoscopy
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/4819-laparoscopy
• https://www.grandviewresearch.com/horizon/outlook/endoscopes-market/latin-america
• https://www.grandviewresearch.com/horizon/outlook/endoscopes-market/argentina
• https://www.grandviewresearch.com/horizon/outlook/endoscopes-market/mexico
• https://www.grandviewresearch.com/horizon/outlook/endoscopes-market/brazil
• https://www.statista.com/outlook/hmo/medical-technology/medical-devices/endoscopic-devices/latam?srsltid=AfmBOoqlTFhssZ09QS62ZAn9yXFNMPQYkI44NhKsNsZQSRODDFzODjZz
• https://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/latin-america-endoscope-reprocessing-market
• https://www.businessmarketinsights.com/reports/latin-america-laparoscopic-devices-market
• https://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/latin-america-laparoscopy-device-market
• https://www.grandviewresearch.com/horizon/outlook/surgical-robots-market/latin-america
• https://www.tritonmarketresearch.com/reports/latin-america-surgical-robotics-market
• https://globalhealthintelligence.com/ghi-analysis/parsing-the-robotic-surgery-market-in-latin-america/

Although the Latin American region has made significant progress in recent decades in terms of healthcare quality and disease prevention, it remains at a greater risk for certain communicable diseases than more northern regions. These include mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue, Zika, chikungunya and more. At the same time, emerging disease trends that affect all regions of the globe, such as antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, are also a growing problem in the Latin American region.

Exploring Causes & Solutions

Some of the factors that lead to the prevalence of these diseases in Latin America, such as the climate and associated organisms that persist as a result, are challenging to control. Despite these obstacles, local healthcare agencies and authorities are still taking steps to mitigate the spread of these diseases.

Let’s take a closer look at how the spread of these diseases and the effort to stop them is impacting the overall healthcare strategy across Latin America, and how your company’s goods and services can be a part of these healthcare initiatives.

A Closer Look at the Disease Data

In 2023, researchers for the Pan American Journal of Public Health conducted a systematic review of 95 studies of dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus in Latin America and the Caribbean. While dengue has been common in tropical and subtropical regions for decades, researchers found that its prevalence spiked over the last 10 years.

Zika and chikungunya are newer diseases to Latin America and have followed similar patterns to one another. The first reports of infections for each disease in the region date back to 2013. Similarly, both diseases spiked in prevalence around 2015 and have been decreasing in recent years.

Overall, Brazil and the southern cone region of South America, which includes Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay, were historically associated with the highest number of infections. In recent years, however, dengue has been surging most rapidly in Central America and Mexico. Researchers suspect that heatwaves, tropical storms and other severe climate events may be fueling this surge. In fact, these factors have health experts concerned that dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus all may increase in the years ahead.

Factors at Play

As expected, both environmental and socioeconomic factors appear to play a role in the prevalence and spread of these diseases in Latin America. For example, tropical and subtropical climates were strongly linked to the spread of both Zika and chikungunya, while a semi-arid climate is where the spread of dengue was more likely to occur. Interestingly, high temperature, dry weather and increased rainfall were all associated with the spread of the three diseases.

Economic factors also played a role. For example, people with a lower socioeconomic status who lived in densely populated regions were most likely to get and spread the diseases.

Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

Another emerging disease trend in Latin America that’s worth keeping an eye on is the rise in antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. This trend, of course, is not unique to Latin America, but its prevalence is growing here just as in other regions of the globe. According to a June 2025 article in The American Journal of Medicine, approximately 5 million deaths in 2019 were associated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and 11.5% of those deaths occurred in the Americas.

Latin America in particular might be vulnerable to a spike in antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the coming years. Research indicates that the region uses excessive amounts of antibiotics for medical, veterinary and increased production purposes, which could result in a perfect storm of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. Research in the Lancet shows that 322,000 people died due to antibiotic resistance in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2021, and that number is expected to reach 650,000 by 2050, which would give it one of the highest regional rates in the world.

Regional Efforts to Stop the Spread

Despite the challenges, global and local health organizations are working together to try to stop the spread of dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus, as well as antibiotic-resistant bacteria, in Latin America. The World Health Organization, for example, launcher a global strategic plan to fight dengue and other diseases like chikungunya and Zika virus in October 2024. The plan outlines strategies for monitoring, managing, controlling and reducing the transmission of the diseases.

Another interesting initiative from the World Mosquito Program is the breeding and strategic release of Wolbachia mosquitoes. Wolbachia is a safe and natural bacteria that prevents mosquitoes from spreading diseases like dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus. Once these mosquitoes are introduced to an area, they begin breeding with other mosquitoes and pass along the Wolbachia, preventing mosquitoes from spreading the diseases. Initiatives are already underway in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and El Salvador, as well as other countries around the world.

In regard to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Global Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership (GARDP) are focused on improving access to innovative antibiotics and other medications in the region to stem the tide of projected deaths in 2050. By improving regional access to cutting-edge medications, Latin America can gain the resources it needs to fight the rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their deadly impact.

Key Takeaways for Health Care Companies

As global, regional and local healthcare organizations take on the growing threats of these emerging diseases, medical supplies, drugs and equipment needed to accurately and successfully diagnose, treat and cure people with these diseases are a critical part of the equation to reduce mortality and improve the overall outlook for the region.

The stark reality is that the need for medical supplies related to the treatment of dengue, chikungunya, Zika and antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections is likely to grow throughout the region in the coming years. Companies that are well-positioned to provide these medications and devices can be a key part of the solution when it comes to reducing the overall impact of the deadly diseases on the region.

Next Steps

Contact GHI to learn more about emerging disease trends and their potential impact on the pharmaceutical or medical device and equipment markets in Latin America. Our team of researchers can provide the analysis you need to gain valuable insights to support strategic decision-making in your industry.

************

Sources:

• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9910557/
• https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-44799-x
• https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/1/57
• https://www.paho.org/en/news/8-8-2024-paho-intensifies-support-central-america-control-dengue
• https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/areas-with-risk/index.html
• https://www.climatecentre.org/14980/in-the-americas-surging-dengue-fever-linked-to-climate-change/
• https://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(25)00058-0/fulltext
• https://www.paho.org/en/news/26-9-2024-paho-and-gardp-will-collaborate-tackle-antibiotic-resistance-latin-america-and
• https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)01867-1/fulltext
• https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanam/article/PIIS2667193X23001357/fulltext
• https://www.who.int/news/item/03-10-2024-who-launches-global-strategic-plan-to-fight-rising-dengue-and-other-aedes-borne-arboviral-diseases
• https://www.paho.org/en/news/10-5-2024-caribbean-mosquito-awareness-week-2024-paho-calls-unite-against-dengue
• https://www.worldmosquitoprogram.org/en/learn/faqs
• https://www.worldmosquitoprogram.org/en/news-stories/media-releases/brazil-fiocruz-and-world-mosquito-program-launch-new-partnership
• https://www.publichealth.med.miami.edu/news/news-releases/2024/experts-address-the-dengue-crisis-in-latin-america-and-the-caribbean/index.html

Many global markets are embracing the idea of sustainability, and the healthcare market is not immune to this trend. This is the idea of adopting environmentally friendly practices and technologies to make your operations more sustainable over time. In some cases, sustainability can also be cost-effective, which makes it even more appealing to industry leaders.

How Sustainability Impacts Healthcare

For healthcare, the impact of adopting sustainable practices can be broad and far-reaching. It refers not only to efficiencies in delivering care but also to a hospital’s entire operation, including LED lighting, alternative energy sources, and more fuel-efficient vehicles. It’s a broad topic, but one that has been gaining steam globally in recent years. In fact, the American Hospital Association has a Sustainability Roadmap for Health Care that outlines best practices for facilities that want to create and implement sustainability goals.

Sustainability in Latin American Healthcare

Though Latin America often has the perception of lagging behind the practices of the United States and Europe, the reality is that many countries in the region have become centers for innovation in areas like biopharmaceuticals and telemedicine, among others. Sustainability is another area where Latin American hospitals and medical centers are already making great strides, with new medications and technologies promoting sustainability in the region.

When it comes to “green” initiatives, some ways hospitals can become more sustainable are fairly obvious—for example, using LED lighting instead of incandescent lights, or seeking out alternative energy sources like solar power.

However, other healthcare practices are also considered sustainable because they can reduce inefficiencies and improve patients’ lives. For example, the widespread adoption of telemedicine can be viewed as a sustainable practice. It brings quality healthcare to more people in a more accessible manner and reduces or eliminates travel time to and from hospitals. Even prevention initiatives can be considered sustainable. When they are effective, they reduce the number of people who need to be diagnosed and treated.

Other ways that Latin Americans have embraced sustainability in recent years is by focusing on innovation and production at a local level. This is particularly true when you examine the growing biopharmaceuticals market in the region. By easing regulations and promoting local production of vaccines and other medications, Latin America is reducing imports. This is not only more cost-effective, but also more environmentally friendly.

Sustainability Success Stories

One only has to take a look at some of the sustainability stories around the region to see how Latin American healthcare is being impacted by these new developments. For example, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), an offshoot of the World Health Organization, has a Smart Hospitals Toolkit that helps regional hospitals be environmentally sustainable and resilient in the face of natural disasters and other events. In addition, the World Health Organization recently published guidelines for climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable healthcare facilities.

Another organization pushing for sustainability in healthcare is Global Green and Healthy Hospitals, which for several years hosted a Latin American Conference in the region to celebrate the contributions of regional hospitals. One member of this organization is the Hospital San Rafael de Pasto in Colombia, which has committed to reducing its environmental impact through programs targeting waste, water, and procurement.

Since 2015, the hospital has made great strides in this area, replacing 90% of their lighting with LEDs and switching electrical equipment to items with a certified level A energy efficiency rating. Solar power is also now used throughout the operation. In addition, the hospital also contributed to the local government’s “one million trees for Pasto” initiative by purchasing one hectare of land and planting over 6,000 native species of trees.

Another success story from the region is the Hospital Clínica Bíblica in Costa Rica. Since beginning its sustainability efforts in 2016, the hospital has implemented a wide range of strategies, including the installation of solar panels, composting kitchen waste, reusing rainwater, promoting the rational use of potable water, and reducing the use of anesthetic gases. For its efforts, the hospital has earned 15 awards, including a Gold GHG Reduction in Energy award, a Silver Renewable Energy award, and a Gold Climate Leadership award, among others.

Balancing Sustainability with Affordability

For regions and facilities that are considering sustainability initiatives, one potential roadblock is perceived costs. The perception still exists that being environmentally friendly is an expensive proposition. However, Siemens Healthineers says that the notion that “sustainability costs too much money” is one of the great myths related to sustainability. In fact, facilities that implement sustainable and environmentally friendly practices end up saving money in the long run.

Research conducted by McKinsey on this topic found that companies investing in sustainable energy sources can reduce their energy consumption by up to 30%. This means that the higher initial investment is often offset fairly quickly with savings on utility bills.

When it comes specifically to medical equipment, many manufacturers offer sustainable programs that lead immediately to cost savings for the facility. For example, system upgrades or refurbishment programs have lower capital costs and are more environmentally friendly than investing in all new equipment.

Key Takeaways for Medical Companies

Sustainability and environmental initiatives are a growing trend not only globally, but specifically in Latin America. As more regions and facilities realize that the initial investments in these products and technologies can lead to long-term cost savings, the trend is likely to grow.

If you’re a medical equipment or device supplier serving the region, you’d be well-suited to assess your own company’s sustainability efforts and how they support the region. Some technological trends, such as telemedicine and digital health records, naturally lend themselves to sustainability efforts by improving the accessibility and efficiency of healthcare, so products that support these efforts in hospitals tend to go hand in hand with sustainability.

For larger medical devices and equipment, consider programs like system upgrades to existing equipment or refurbishment initiatives if your company isn’t already exploring those avenues. These programs are already appealing to hospitals and health systems looking to save costs, and they have the added benefit of being sustainable and environmentally friendly. Now that medical facilities are increasingly embracing sustainability efforts, these programs will likely become even more appealing.

Next Steps

Contact GHI to learn more about sustainability trends and their potential impact on the healthcare industry in Latin America. Our team of researchers can provide the analysis you need to gain valuable insights and support strategic decision-making in your industry.

Sources:

• https://www.aha.org/sustainability
• https://www.siemens-healthineers.com/en-us/insights/news/debunking-healthcare-sustainability-myths?gclid=Cj0KCQjw6bfHBhDNARIsAIGsqLj8qg_vUEhBBaaKsB96TJTVUMO-sn1jNR7FXq-889oa8crzzar-6PgaAvXtEALw_wcB&ef_id=Cj0KCQjw6bfHBhDNARIsAIGsqLj8qg_vUEhBBaaKsB96TJTVUMO-sn1jNR7FXq-889oa8crzzar-6PgaAvXtEALw_wcB%3AG%3As&s_kwcid=AL%2191%213%21775294404909%21p%21%21g%21%21sustainability+in+healthcare&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23050592071&gbraid=0AAAAAD_HlguPbZ8ZyGzvgR1z4VXhpm1QS
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6502558/
• https://privatebank.jpmorgan.com/latam/en/insights/markets-and-investing/ideas-and-insights/healthy-growth-for-latin-america-tapping-the-regions-healthcare-sector-for-economic-gains
• https://llyc.global/en/healthcare/tendencias/el-reto-de-la-sostenibilidad-en-los-sistemas-de-salud-en-america-latina/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40374575/
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8442713/
• https://www.paho.org/en/health-emergencies/smart-hospitals/smart-hospitals-toolkit
• https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/climate-resilient-and-environmentally-sustainable-health-care-facilities
• https://greenhospitals.org/goals
• https://greenhospitals.org/news/v-conference-lat
• https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/decarbonizing-health-care-facilities-colombia
• https://greenhospitals.org/news/HCCC-10-years-clinica-biblica

Though they are not a new medical technology, biopharmaceuticals, also known as biologics, have significantly expanded in recent years and are continuing to evolve in their potential to treat illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, and more. While traditional drugs are created via chemical means and are made up of small molecules, biopharmaceuticals are made from living cells, proteins, tissues, or nucleic acids. They typically have larger molecules than traditional pharmaceuticals and are often administered via injection.

More about Biopharmaceuticals

Biopharmaceuticals made headlines a few years ago with the rapid development of the COVID-19 vaccine, but that’s far from the only type of biopharmaceutical in regular use. Types of biopharmaceuticals include:

• One of the original biopharmaceuticals, vaccines have helped eradicate diseases around the world, such as smallpox and measles, among others.
• Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). These drugs mimic the immune system and target specific proteins to block their activity or destroy them. They are used in the treatment of autoimmune disease and some cancers.
• Gene therapy. These medications can cure or treat genetic or infectious diseases by introducing genetic material into the patient’s cells. They have been used to treat retinal diseases, spinal muscular atrophy, and more.
• Cell therapy. These treatments include stem cell transplants and involve modifying cells to enhance or restore their function. They can treat leukemia, lymphoma, and other degenerative disorders.
• Recombinant proteins. These proteins are grown inside living cells and include enzymes, hormones, and cytokines that are used to treat diseases ranging from hemophilia to diabetes.

Vaccines in Latin America

In years past, Latin America was often reliant on other regions to provide vaccines and other biopharmaceuticals. This became problematic in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, when only 15 percent of vaccines were locally produced. This led to vaccination rates below 25 percent in some countries, such as Guatemala, Venezuela, and Honduras, in October 2021.

Luckily, the region took this development as a “lessons learned” moment and has made great strides in easing regulations and promoting the production of both vaccines and other pharmaceuticals since then. In September 2021, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) approved the Special Program, Innovation and Regional Production Platform, aiming to increase the production capacity for essential medicines and health technologies across Latin America. The Forum for the Project and Development of South America (PROSUR) is another organization that is pushing similar efforts forward.

These efforts are already beginning to pay dividends across the region. For example, in July 2024, the Brazilian vaccine manufacturer Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz joined CEPI’s network of vaccine manufacturers to help create faster and more equitable responses to future disease threats. This growth appears to be region-wide, with countries such as Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and more expected to see growth in the vaccine market in the upcoming years. You can find more data in the table below.

Easing Regulations on Other Biopharmaceuticals

Aside from vaccines, Latin American regulatory agencies are also making efforts to speed up and streamline the process of biopharmaceutical approvals. This should result in a better environment for companies trying to bring drugs to those markets.

In Brazil, for example, the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency, ANVISA, began implementing a new resolution on January 21 to simplify the process of introducing biological products, including vaccines, radiopharmaceuticals, and generic drugs. It also makes corrections, new indications, withdrawals, and other processes around pharmaceuticals easier to navigate. To be eligible for this simplified process, companies must have at least one other drug or biological product already approved in the Brazilian market.

Other markets in Latin America, including the Dominican Republic and Colombia, have announced similar measures in recent months. In July 2024, Argentina announced several related measures to ease restrictions on pharmaceuticals, including allowing more generic drugs to enter the marketplace, easing barriers to opening new pharmacies, and permitting the sale of over-the-counter medications in businesses other than pharmacies.

Mexico has undergone similar efforts to promote clinical research and enhance access to generic and biosimilar medicines. Interestingly, Mexico’s efforts appear to be targeting not only local access, but also the availability of these medications in markets such as the United States. What this means for pharmaceutical manufacturers is potentially more friendly and open markets for new or generic versions of drugs in the years ahead.

An Increase in Manufacturing

As these regulatory changes indicate, Latin America is “all in” on the biopharmaceuticals market, and these regulatory changes are already beginning to pay dividends. The Center for Global Development notes that many middle-income countries, including Brazil, have already become essential players as global vaccine suppliers. As production continues to ramp up across the region, it’s possible that other countries could follow suit as important players in the worldwide vaccine market.

The other component of the rise in biopharmaceutical manufacturing in Latin America is the role of biosimilars and generic drugs. As specialty medications have grown more expensive, the availability of more affordable generic alternatives has become critical for many people in the region who need them. The easing of regulatory restrictions in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and more has made it easier to bring these drugs to market.

As the market for these medications has expanded in Latin America, so too has the pool of talented professionals looking to work in these industries. Many students are now pursuing biotechnology as their desired profession, leading to an influx of scientists and other skilled professionals who continue to drive innovation in the field.

For a closer look at how the biopharmaceutical industry is growing in Latin America, check out the table below:

Clinical Trials in Latin America

One offshoot of the growth of biopharmaceuticals in Latin America is the explosion of clinical trials in the region. Latin America is now the world’s fourth-largest clinical trials market and is seeking to quadruple participation in the coming years. Around 70 percent of the trials take place in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru.

Experts cite Latin America’s diverse patient population, lower operational costs, and improved regulatory framework as reasons that clinical trials have begun to grow substantially in the region. This development has further contributed to Latin America’s growing role as an innovator in the biopharmaceutical market.

Key Takeaways for Health Care Companies

With the easing of restrictions and the efforts to ramp up manufacturing and clinical trials across the Latin American region, pharmaceutical manufacturers are well-positioned to take advantage of these regulatory and market changes in the months and years ahead.

If you’re a major multinational pharmaceutical company with a significant market presence in the region, you should continue to see growth due to the streamlined processes many countries are implementing to review, approve, and add drugs to the marketplace. One interesting challenge for these larger manufacturers in the coming years may stem from increased competition, as more generic drugs and biosimilars from smaller manufacturers enter the market. Larger companies can stay ahead of the curve by staying agile and continuing to push for innovation in the biopharmaceutical sector.

Next Steps

Contact GHI to learn more about healthcare trends and their potential impact on the biopharmaceutical industry in Latin America. Our team of researchers can provide the analysis you need to gain valuable insights to support strategic decision-making in your industry.

Sources:

• https://www.path.org/l/diagnostic-and-vaccine-manufacturing-capacity-in-latin-america/
• https://www.paho.org/en/special-program-innovation-and-regional-production-platform-rp
• https://cepi.net/mobilising-brazils-manufacturing-might-support-vaccine-production-global-south
• https://www.statista.com/outlook/hmo/pharmaceuticals/vaccines/guatemala
• https://www.elsevier.es/en-revista-vacunas-english-edition–259-articulo-latin-american-participation-in-scientific-S2445146022000267?covid=Dr56DrLjUdaMjzAgze452SzSInMN&rfr=truhgiz&y=kEzTXsahn8atJufRpNPuIGh67s1
• https://tdtmvjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40794-021-00135-5
• https://www.raps.org/news-and-articles/news-articles/2025/1/latin-america-roundup-agencies-continue-shift-to-o
• https://scigeniq.com/the-evolving-regulatory-landscape-for-latin-american-pharma-companies/
• https://www.dlapiper.com/en/insights/publications/2024/07/argentina-deregulates-healthcare-and-pharmaceutical-industries
• https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/blog/the-growing-importance-of-specialty-generics-in-the-latin-american-pharmaceutical-market/#:~:text=The%20Latin%20American%20pharmaceutical%20market%20has%20been%20experiencing%20significant%20growth,effective%20alternative%20to%20branded%20pharmaceuticals
• https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-law-medicine-and-ethics/article/pharmaceutical-market-for-biological-products-in-latin-america-a-comprehensive-analysis-of-regional-sales-data/6AE11D8A159BD46B0CA243A1BAC709A7
• https://www.raps.org/news-and-articles/news-articles/2024/3/latin-america-roundup-brazil-and-colombia-advance
• https://www.languageconnections.com/clinical-trials-in-latin-america/
• https://www.thepharmaletter.com/pharmaceutical/latin-america-seeks-to-quadruple-its-participation-in-clinical-trials
• https://www.bioaccessla.com/blog/why-latin-america-leads-in-clinical-trials-exploring-the-key-factors

Tariffs are top of mind for many these days, particularly those dealing with international business relationships and the day-to-day realities of selling medical devices, equipment and supplies in different countries. Economic uncertainty quickly translates to uncertainty, making sales and forecasts more challenging. The last several months have brought plenty of that in the form of constantly evolving tariff news coming from the United States.

The Time of Tariffs

Tariff news has been almost constant, and evolving, since Donald Trump took office as the President of the United States in January 2025. One of the first major changes was a universal 10% baseline tariff on all countries, which went into effect on April 5. However, other countries, including Mexico, Canada, China and more, have been hit with even higher tariffs. Various tariffs have also been implemented for specific goods, such as oil, steel, minerals, and more. Other factors that have impacted tariff levels include the perception of an unfair trade balance with the United States, promises of larger investments, and individual negotiations with the White House, amongst others.

One resulting fallout of this is a “tariff yo-yo.” Tariff news has become almost a daily occurrence, and the rates on different countries, goods, and services seems to change frequently. It’s also unclear which tariffs have been implemented, and which have been merely threatened. This makes it confusing for equipment manufacturers and providers to understand what tariff rates will be leveraged on their goods at any given time in any given country.

The Reciprocal Fallout

Then, of course, there’s the impact of “reciprocal tariffs,” which some countries, including China, have leveraged on American imports because of America’s tariff-related actions. This means that manufacturers not only have to be concerned about the rate of tariffs in the United States, but across the globe, further muddying the tariff waters. Interestingly, Donald Trump’s heavy use of tariffs in international trade may also be having the secondary impact of encouraging other countries to do the same.

A recent example of this is the trade tension between the EU and China related to medical devices. These issues first began in June, when the European Commission announced that Chinese companies would no longer be able to participate in EU public tenders for medical devices that are worth over $5.8 million. In July, the Chinese reciprocated on the EU with a similar regulation. The Chinese government is now restricted from purchasing medical devices from the European Union that exceed 45 million yuan ($6.3 million) in value.

Global trade tensions have become much more than just an American import issue. They are a factor that companies will need to consider in their price points and sales strategies, regardless of which country they’re coming from and where they’re going.

How Trade Instability Impacts the Medical Market

While they may have their political defenders, there’s no question that tariffs make international business challenging for all participants. When prices and taxes are stable, it allows companies to think ahead. They can plan their sales strategy, set their vision for the future and create a roadmap for continuing growth. Forecasts become more challenging when businesses are unsure of how to set pricing on their products across different markets from day to day.

For the medical device market, some of the challenges of tariffs become even more complex and critical. Many medical devices are large, expensive machines, so the impacts of tariffs can be enormous for items that are already quite expensive. They are also often manufactured using materials from across the globe, and each of these components may be impacted by their own set of tariffs. So not only the sales, but the manufacturing of these items grows more complex and costly.

Then there’s the essential nature of many of these machines. While cars and other costly, complex equipment are undoubtedly important in keeping the economy moving, people’s lives depend on medical equipment, devices and pharmaceuticals. If they can’t get them, the costs to a region can be enormous. This is particularly true in a region like Latin America, where over 90% of all the medical devices and equipment in the region are imported from other countries.

How GHI Can Help You Form Your Sales Strategy

Despite the continuing global challenges of tariffs, the reality is that international commerce will continue, particularly in a medical sales market where equipment and devices are essential for public welfare. The firms that will come out ahead are those with the most up-to-date market data on which devices are selling in which markets, and for what prices. In times of uncertainty, you can’t afford to operate blindly. You need real, actionable intelligence to guide your decisions moving forward.

One tool that helps medical firms make informed decisions is GHI’s BrandTrack (formerly ShareScope). By providing real-time data on which devices are selling in which markets, and who is importing more or less down to a product-by-product level, it is essentially providing market tariff impact information in real time.

“With a BrandTrack subscription, companies can monitor the import of their devices in several countries to see where they stand, and then verify that with their approach internally,” says Mariana Romero Roy, Senior Director of Intelligence Services for Global Health Intelligence. “They can also view data from their competitors in the market and define their marketing strategies accordingly.”

Next Steps

Contact GHI to learn more about the impact of tariffs on the health care industry in Latin America and how you can navigate the challenges. Our team of researchers can provide the analysis you need to gain valuable insights to support strategic decision-making in your industry.

When it comes to improving Latin American healthcare, much of the conversation centers on addressing inequalities and expanding universal access to care. However, a more subtle yet still important problem is bubbling under the surface at many Latin American hospitals and medical centers: the issue of older and obsolete medical equipment being used well past the recommended guidelines.

The Trouble with Old Equipment

There are several reasons why relying on older equipment can be problematic. For one, the imagery or data provided from these machines is potentially inaccurate, which can lead to misdiagnoses. And when it comes to machines that emit radiation, such as X-rays, old equipment can potentially be dangerous to both the patients and operators.

Yet despite these concerns, some hospitals have legitimate reasons for trying to get the most from their older equipment. In many cases, they are public centers with limited budgets. This can put a damper on their long-term procurement planning, leading to machines being used when they should be phased out. Add in supply chain bottlenecks and increasing price concerns due to tariffs and uncertain international trade pricing, and you can see why this is a growing concern across the region.

What the Data Suggests

While some anecdotal stories have put the percentage of obsolete medical equipment in the developing world at 90% or higher, the real data is not that dire. Nevertheless, it shows major room for improvement across the region. A 2011 study of 112,040 pieces of medical equipment in the developing world showed that overall, 38.3% of medical equipment in developing countries was out of service. Here’s a closer look at the numbers at the time of the study:

Country: % of Equipment out of Service

• Belize: 40%
• Costa Rica: 0.83%
• El Salvador: 25.51%
• Guatemala: 17.72%
• Honduras: 15.54%
• Nicaragua: 29.11%
• Panama: 7.12%
• Bolivia: 40.50%
• Colombia: 45.56%
• Ecuador: 40.82%
• Peru: 43.36%
• Venezuela: 47%

Some of these numbers have undoubtedly changed since the time of the study, but it certainly shows a trend across the Latin American region. What’s more, some of the most critical pieces of medical equipment, such as X-ray machines and sterilizers, were also the most likely to be out of service.

A COVID-19 Case Study

While the data on obsolete equipment in Latin America is concerning all on its own, it becomes even more alarming when you look at some of the real-world impacts of outdated medical devices. Simply put, outdated technology can become a health risk. It can lead to delayed or inaccurate diagnoses, increased machine downtimes and repair costs, higher radiation exposure risks from older imaging devices, difficulty integrating with modern health IT systems and many other issues.

One good example of the real-world impact of obsolete medical equipment came during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico. As the disease spread, there was a need to produce X-ray images of the thorax in an expedited manner, and Mexico’s X-ray equipment was not up to the task. Instead of digital radiology systems that quickly deliver a high-quality digital image to a nearby computer, many X-ray generators in Mexico were not even digital at the time of the COVID-19 outbreak. Mexico’s inability to meet the demand of the moment has led to a shift toward digital radiology systems in the region ever since.

How Hospitals & Health Centers Should Evolve

This example of the Mexican X-ray market before and after COVID-19 is a good example of how the Latin American market can and will evolve when it needs to. The problem is that it shouldn’t require a global pandemic for regional facilities to make the changes needed to support their patients.

Increasingly, hospitals and medical centers that are staying up to date on their equipment needs in the region are taking a data-driven approach to modernization. This requires both public health organizations and private hospital networks to gather and act upon equipment lifecycle data in their facilities. Strategic investments should target critical equipment with the highest obsolescence risk.

By forming business partnerships with device manufacturers, organizations can gain support for their equipment forecasting to ensure they get the updated equipment that they need, when they need it. Many medical equipment companies also offer trade-in programs, so that facilities can upgrade their equipment at a more reasonable cost.

If you want to see how your market, country, or facility stacks up, request a customized report from GHI or explore how our data solutions like HospiScope and SurgiScope can support smarter equipment planning.

Key Takeaways for Medical Companies

If you’re a medical sales representative serving the region, the challenges of breaking through the budgetary constraints and convincing administrators of the importance of upgrading can be great. One strategy that has been effective for many companies in the region is focusing on a “good enough” mentality. This is not an approach you would ever take in your customer-facing marketing and PR campaigns, but when it comes to your under-the-hood sales strategy for the Latin American public sector, “good enough” can be surprisingly effective and drive major sales.

Consider it this way: The public sector still wants the very best that they can afford for their patients. But the reality is that they may not have the budget for the latest equipment model with all the bells and whistles. However, if you can craft a strategy that provides them with a high-quality, reliable model at a lower price, then your chances are good at appealing to them – and maintaining their business for years to come.

“If you talk to private hospitals, they may want AI, robotics and the latest equipment. Other hospitals have very basic needs,” says Hector Orellana, Vice President of North Latin America for Medtronic. “You need to understand both sides to navigate the differences and approach them with the right services. We must be adaptable to help all patients as effectively as possible.”

Next Steps

Contact GHI to learn more about equipment trends and their potential impact on the health care industry in Latin America. Our team of researchers can provide the analysis you need to gain valuable insights and support strategic decision-making in your industry.

Technological advances, whether it’s digitization, the increasing use of AI or advanced diagnostics and treatments, have the power to completely reshape the face of healthcare in Latin America in the coming years. Electronic medical records make the process of treating patients more efficient and accurate, while telemedicine can make healthcare more accessible for a greater number of people.

As AI systems begin to mature, the potential for healthcare is even greater. Diagnoses can be made extremely accurately and with astounding speed. AI-assisted imaging can help doctors detect issues that may have been missed in the past. They can even help doctors develop new drugs or treatments at an advanced pace.

Then, of course, there’s the myriad of advanced therapies that can treat and cure more diseases than ever before, thanks to developments such as robotic-assisted surgery, oncology care, advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) that involve cellular and genetic approaches to treatment, and more.

Keeping Up with the Tech

There’s certainly no shortage of innovation to be excited about in the Latin American healthcare market, but as with most things in life, there are caveats. The rapid change of pace is making it challenging for some regions and hospitals to keep up. The result is the inability for some hospitals to update their infrastructure fast enough to accommodate the changes. Others, often the private centers, are doing so more successfully, but that creates more inequality in the Latin American healthcare market between the haves and the have-nots.

Are We Ready for AI?

When it comes to artificial intelligence, the numbers indicate that it’s already growing at an astounding rate and will continue to develop rapidly in the years ahead:

• $19.27b – Estimated AI healthcare market size in 2023
• $188b – Projected value of the AI healthcare market by 2030
• 38% – Projected growth in the regional AI healthcare market between 2019 and 2027
• 5% – Estimated contribution of AI to Latin America’s GDP by 2030
• $349M – Forecasted revenue of Latin America’s AI healthcare market by 2030
• 2% – Estimated compound annual growth rate (2024–2030)

While developments are being seen throughout the region, Armando Guio Español, an affiliate with Harvard University’s Berkman Klein Center and an architect of the AI Strategies of several Latin American countries, says that infrastructure updates to allow the widespread collection and organization of digital medical records are the key to unlocking more widespread use of AI in Latin America.

More progress is being made in this area day by day. “What I’ve seen is many doctors and researchers in Latin America are very interested in making use of AI, but they need better quality data,” he says. “As countries improve their digital records and data models, we will begin to see some great advances in AI in Latin American health care markets.”

Indeed, some of this advancement is already taking place across Latin America, and the region is even becoming known as a bit of a “testing ground” for these new technologies. With its diverse population of people of different ancestry, lower costs for entering the market, and increasingly AI-friendly regulations, companies are taking notice and bringing their new technologies to the market.

Brazil in particular has paved the way for AI innovation with the passage of a recent law and friendly policies from the Brazilian health authority, ANVISA. The Center for Artificial Intelligence has been pushing advancements in Brazil since 2020, which has led to the early integration of AI technology into imaging technologies such as X-rays, CT scans and MRI scans. Other uses of AI in Brazil include telemedicine, medication discovery and clinical trials.

These policies have already encouraged innovative healthcare companies like Noul to enter the Latin American marketplace. Advancements are occurring in other parts of Latin America, as well. The AI company Eden has secured significant funding in the region to bring their advancements to medical imaging and diagnostic processes. The technology is already being used by many radiologists in Mexico, and Eden plans to expand into other Latin American markets in the years ahead.

The Increasing Role of Digitization

In the digital health market, Latin America also has shown significant growth and proven that it has the infrastructure to support rapid developments in this area. In many instances, Latin America is leading the charge in digital health innovation and outpacing the rest of the world in funding and investments:

• Estimated growth of the global digital health market in 2024: 5.5%
• Estimated growth of the Latin American digital health market in 2024: 37.6%
• Estimated value of the Latin American digital health market by the end of 2024: $35b
• Percentage of health tech startups devoted to diagnosis, treatment and prevention: 52%
• Percentage of health tech startups located in Brazil or Mexico: 78%

As you can see, Latin America is exploding with health tech and innovation potential, with the estimated growth of the region far outpacing the world as a whole. While most of the innovation is coming from Brazil and Mexico, they are far from the only players in health tech. For example, Chile, Argentina and Colombia also provide 8%, 6% and 6% to the overall total, respectively.

Advanced Therapies in Latin America

When it comes to advanced therapies such as robot-assisted surgery, oncology care or advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) such as cell and gene therapies, many hospitals throughout the region face implementation challenges due to infrastructure concerns, inconsistent regulations around the treatments and lack of public awareness. Here again, countries such as Brazil are taking the lead here in improving regulations and infrastructure for ATMPs, whereas countries like Chile, Mexico and Argentina are still developing their regulations.

However, researchers are quick to point out that even the advanced therapy market is evolving slowly and steadily in Latin American, and the region is becoming increasingly relevant on the global stage in these areas. In particular, Brazil has a structured approval process for ATMPs in place that has led to over 100 advanced therapy clinical trials that are currently completed or ongoing in the country.

Key Takeaways for Medical Companies

As you can see, Latin America has made great progress in recent years in the adoption of innovative healthcare technologies like AI, digital health, and advanced treatments. While there are certainly infrastructure challenges to implementation, many regions and facilities have shown themselves willing to take the steps to make these advances. This is good news for equipment providers and device manufacturers looking to support these growing markets.

As some of the statistics here have shown, one issue with facility infrastructure that is evident throughout the region is inequality. Simply put, most of the growth and innovation is occurring in Brazil and Mexico, but other countries are beginning to make strides. Device and equipment companies may be able to help rid the region of some of this disparity by identifying these areas of need and helping them upgrade their facilities and equipment. GHI’s suite of tools and services are perfect for identifying these needs and crafting your sales strategy accordingly.

Next Steps

Contact GHI to learn more about innovation and emerging technologies and their potential impact on the healthcare industry in Latin America. Our team of researchers can provide the analysis you need to gain valuable insights to support strategic decision-making in your industry.

Among the current global trade tensions, the United States and President Trump’s implementation of tariffs on imports have garnered the most headlines. Although the numbers seem to be constantly in flux, the current tariff rate on Chinese goods stands at 55%, one of the highest rates in the world. European goods entering the U.S. currently face a 10% tariff, though that can vary by good or by country.

Escalating Chinese/EU Tensions

Though it hasn’t generated as much media attention as the U.S. tariffs, a smaller but important tension is also currently happening between the Chinese government and the European Union. This particular spat may have even more significant ramifications for medical device manufacturers.

The issues first began in June 2025, when the European Commission announced that Chinese companies would no longer be able to participate in EU public tenders for medical devices that are worth $5.8 million or more. The rationale for this decision was that European medical device firms did not receive fair access to Chinese markets.

However, instead of encouraging the Chinese to open their markets to more European firms, the decision had the opposite effect. In July 2025, the Chinese essentially reciprocated on the EU with a similar regulation. The Chinese government is now restricted from purchasing medical devices from the European Union that exceed 45 million yuan ($6.3 million) in value.

The Resulting Fallout

What’s interesting about this recent back-and-forth is that it comes at a time when it would be beneficial for the EU and China to be unified in the face of rising tensions with the United States. Instead, the tariffs seem to be having the opposite effect in terms of encouraging similar trade-related behavior elsewhere around the globe.

Though it’s still early in the standoff between China and the EU, tensions still seem to be rising at this point. Thus far, we’ve seen a war of words from both sides of the trade dispute, with few signs that the policies will be changed in the months ahead. China has also escalated the trade war with Europe in other ways, as well, including imposing antidumping taxes on European brandy and threatening or imposing tariffs on pork and dairy products.

What This Means for Device Manufacturers

For medical device firms conducting business and competing for tenders in China and the EU, the implications of this escalating trade war are pretty apparent. EU-based firms doing business in China, and vice versa, are sure to see a major blow to their sales prospects, as they are essentially banned from selling their high-dollar devices in those markets.

The story is different, of course, for non-EU firms doing business in China, or non-Chinese firms competing for tenders in the EU. For these firms, new opportunities in these markets may now exist, particularly for companies that make devices that compete against those of the EU and Chinese firms.

Is There More to Come?

However, there is also the possibility that this is just the opening strike in an escalating global trade war related to medical devices, so companies will certainly want to keep an eye on future developments in the months ahead. It’s certainly no secret that other markets aside from the EU, including Latin America, are wary of China’s impact on their markets, particularly their ability to produce lower-cost versions of medical devices and undercut the competition when it comes to winning tenders. Considering the fact that Latin America imports around 90% of its medical equipment and devices from other countries, any similar moves by Latin American governments could have a major impact on regional markets.

For medical device manufacturers in the United States who are exporting their goods around the globe, the potential future impact of this escalation is even more apparent. With the current ongoing tariff situation, most countries have a sound rationale to get trade retribution of some form on the U.S., whether that’s via reciprocal tariffs on U.S. imports or other measures. If banning medical device manufacturers from competing for tenders in other countries becomes more of a trend than an anomaly, the U.S. could potentially become a target as a result of tariff retribution.

Key Takeaways for Medical Companies

Although a lot of this is simply speculation for the time being, the rising tensions between the EU and China and the resulting fallout for medical device manufacturers in the two regions are certainly a situation worth keeping an eye on, even if it doesn’t directly impact your company or the region where you work right now.

As always, you can prepare yourself for success in the ever-tumultuous global marketplace by relying on GHI and its tools and services to refine your sales approach for the Latin American market. With BrandTrack, for example, you can see which regions are importing more or less of specific products and tailor your strategy accordingly. Even as tensions mount and prices fluctuate, the need for valuable medical devices will remain consistent, so the key is to identify where the need is greatest and be ready to offer your goods and services in those areas.

Next Steps

Contact GHI to learn more about the latest trade tensions and their potential impact on the health care industry in Latin America. Our team of researchers can provide the analysis you need to gain valuable insights to support strategic decision-making in your industry.

With the advent of AI, digitization, and the proliferation of smartphones reshaping our daily lives, it is no surprise that healthcare is undergoing a similar revolution. The integration of advanced technologies, such as telemedicine, big data, and AI, is making healthcare more accessible, efficient, and innovative than ever before.

Latin America’s Role

While Latin America is often considered to be behind the curve in the healthcare sector, what’s interesting about these recent health tech developments is that this no longer seems to be the case. In many instances, Latin America is leading the charge in healthcare innovation and outpacing the rest of the world in funding and investments.

Latin American Health Tech by the Numbers

• Estimated growth of the global digital health market in 2024: 5.5%
• Estimated growth of the Latin American digital health market in 2024: 37.6%
• Estimated value of the Latin American digital health market by the end of 2024:  $35b
• Growth of AI use in Latin American startups between 2022 and 2024: 6%
• Percentage of health tech startups devoted to diagnosis, treatment and prevention: 52%
• Percentage of health tech startups located in Brazil or Mexico: 78%

A Region on the Rise

As you can see, Latin America is exploding with health tech and innovation potential, with the estimated growth of the region far outpacing the world as a whole. While most of the innovation is coming from Brazil and Mexico, they are far from the only players in health tech. For example, Chile, Argentina and Colombia also provide 8%, 6% and 6% to the overall total, respectively. When you look at the individual success stories from different countries, the contributions to health tech throughout Latin America become even clearer.

Success Stories

Across the region, health tech startups are already improving the quality and efficiency of care for millions of Latin Americans. Here are just a few of many examples of innovation seen throughout the region.

Unima. Based out of Mexico, Unima is a health tech startup aimed at providing fast and low-cost medical diagnostic services to rural areas of Mexico without easy access to labs. The idea is to expand the access to affordable care and accurate diagnoses, while at the same time helping to control infectious diseases in these areas. To date, the company has reached more than 500,000 patients.

Mevo. This Brazilian-based company has created a digital prescription platform that allows patients to purchase prescriptions and access information about their medications via an easy-to-use mobile app. In late 2024, they secured almost $20 million in venture funding, allowing them to scale up and provide their services to many more Brazilians.

1DOC3. In the country of Colombia, millions of users have already discovered this unique telemedicine platform, which allows them to access doctors via text and chat in a matter of minutes. 1DOC3 uses AI and other technologies to improve wait times and reduce the costs associated with speaking with a doctor. It utilizes WhatsApp and other common platforms to provide access even in remote areas.

Pura Mente. Health tech startups have grown in the mental health space in Latin America, as well, reflecting a growing demand for more support in this area. One example is Pure Mente, an Argentinian app focused on meditation and mindfulness. Since its launch in 2019, it has grown to over one million users. It’s been particularly helpful in Argentina, where mental health services are historically underfunded.

TRAINFES. Electrostimulation is a common therapy for rehabilitation for many neurological disorders like stroke or spinal cord injuries, but treatment often requires traveling to a center that many patients in Latin America do not have access to. In Chile, TRAINFES allows patients to receive therapy sessions remotely without traveling to a rehabilitation center. Thus far, it has already helped more than 10,000 patients.

Innovation Hubs

A major reason that Latin America is seeing major growth in its health tech startups in recent years is the development of “innovation hubs” around the region. These are areas where a focus is placed on the growth of technology, and they often attract the venture capital firms needed to fuel this growth.

For example, Mexico City is often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of Latin America,” and it’s far from alone in its embrace of tech innovation. Other cities that have notable tech startups and venture capital funding include Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, Bogota, Santiago and many other areas around Latin America. The tech talent pool in these cities is large and growing, and they often offer cost savings over other regions, making them appealing destinations for tech companies and venture capital firms. In late 2023, the World Economic Forum declared that Latin America was “set to become a global powerhouse for innovation.”

Continuing Challenges

Of course, continuing innovation in Latin America, just as it is in many regions, is not without its challenges. Some people are slow to adopt or trust digital health services, and it takes time to convert people to the benefits it can provide. The outdated rules, regulations and infrastructure governing health care in many countries in Latin America can also be a hindrance to progress. This not only slows adoption, but also scalability beyond home countries into different regions. Finally, funding can still be an issue for some startups. In some cases, this can be due to a lack of venture capital, although other regions are not taking full advantage of the venture capital that is available to them.

Key Takeaways for Medical Companies

It’s clear that medical innovations and health tech startups are already taking hold in Latin America, and this trend should only continue to proliferate in the years ahead. As a supplier in the region, you can take advantage of these trends by being forward-thinking and looking for opportunities to partner with companies that are increasing access to care through digital health services.

If there are platforms that are increasing access to telemedicine, prescription access, digital therapies or other innovations, being innovative can help you grow along with these startups. If your services are primarily focused on hospitals and medical centers, perhaps there are ways that what you offer can be part of the growing wave of digital health services as they continue to grow in the region.

Next Steps

Contact GHI to learn more about innovation and health tech startup trends and their potential impact on the healthcare industry in Latin America. Our team of researchers can provide the strategic analysis you need to gain valuable insights to support strategic decision-making in your industry.