The U.S. Ranks First Globally in Exports of Artificial Joints, with $1.7B in 2014

Despite competitive inroads made in recent years by both China and Belgium, the U.S. continued to lead the way in the global trade of artificial joints for orthopedic purposes. In 2014, the U.S. exported 1.7 thousand tonnes of artificial joints for orthopedic purposes totaling 1.7 billion USD, 0.4% over the previous year. Its primary trading partner was Japan, where it supplied 16.3% of its total artificial joints for orthopedic purposes exports in value terms, accounting for 62.9% of Japan's total imports.

From 2007 to 2014, the U.S. was a net exporter of artificial joints for orthopedic purposes. Over the period under review, exports slightly exceeded imports in value terms. In physical terms, imports and exports were at the same level.

Germany and Belgium were among the other main global suppliers of artificial joints for orthopedic purposes in 2014. From 2007 to 2014, the strongest growth rates in exports were recorded by Belgium (+52.8% per year) and China (+58.6% per year). Due to this rapid ascent, Belgium significantly strengthened its position in the global export structure.

In 2014, the U.S.'s top 5 trading partners were Japan, Germany, Belgium, Canada and the Netherlands, with a combined 55.7% share of U.S. exports. The share of Germany increased significantly (+11.3 percentage points), while the share of the United Kingdom fell sharply (-12.4 percentage points).

Source: World: Artificial Joints For Orthopedic Purposes - Market Report. Analysis and Forecast to 2020