Which Country Imports the Most Wheelchairs in the World?

In 2016, the amount of wheelchair imported worldwide amounted to 151K tonnes, picking up by 3% against the previous year figure. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.5% from 2007 to 2016; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2011, when import increased by 7% y-o-y. Over the period under review, global wheelchair imports attained its maximum volume in 2016, and are expected to retain its growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, wheelchair imports amounted to $1.4B in 2016. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% over the period from 2007 to 2016; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations in certain years. Global wheelchair import peaked of $1.4B in 2014; afterwards, it flattened through to 2016.

Top Wheelchair Importing Countries in the World

1. USA (278.7 million USD)

2. United Kingdom (104.3 million USD)

3. France (94.6 million USD)

4. Germany (84.4 million USD)

5. Japan (79.6 million USD)

6. Netherlands (42.9 million USD)

7. Italy (38.6 million USD)

8. Spain (31.7 million USD)

9. Russia (31.6 million USD)

10. Saudi Arabia (19.0 million USD)

11. Sweden (12.6 million USD)

12. China (6.0 million USD)

Wheelchair Imports By Country

China (28K tonnes), and the U.S. (19K tonnes) were the main importers of wheelchair in 2016, accounting for approx. 18%, and 13% of total imports, respectively. It was distantly followed by the UK (8.2K tonnes), and Germany (7.7K tonnes), together committing 10% share of total wheelchair imports. France (6.1K tonnes), Japan (5.2K tonnes), Saudi Arabia (4.3K tonnes), Russia (3.5K tonnes), the Netherlands (3.5K tonnes), Spain (3.4K tonnes), Sweden (3.4K tonnes), and Italy (3.4K tonnes) occupied the mild share of total imports.

From 2007 to 2016, the most notable growth rate of wheelchair imports, among the main importing countries, was attained by Spain (+13.1% per year), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the U.S. ($279M) constitutes the largest market for imported wheelchair worldwide, making up 21% of global imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by the UK ($104M), with the share of 8% of global imports. It was followed by France, with the share of 7%.

From 2007 to 2016, the average annual growth rate of value of wheelchair imports in the U.S. shrank by -1.4%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: the UK (+4.1% per year) and France (+4.2% per year).

Wheelchair Import Prices By Country

The average wheelchair import price stood at $8,984 per tonne in 2016, descending by -3.7% against the previous year. Overall, wheelchair import price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2008, when it surged by 9% against the previous year level. In that year, average wheelchair import price reached its maximum level of $10 per kg. From 2009 to 2016, growth of average wheelchair import price stood at a somewhat lower level.

There were significant differences in the average import prices amongst major importing countries. In 2016, the country with the highest import prices was France ($16 per kg), while China ($218 per tonne) was among the lowest.

From 2007 to 2016, the most notable growth rate of wheelchair import prices was attained by China (+15.6% per year), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Do you want to know more about global wheelchair market? Get the latest trends and insight from our report. It includes a wide range of statistics on

• wheelchair market share
• wheelchair prices
• wheelchair industry
• wheelchair sales
• wheelchair import
• wheelchair export
• wheelchair market forecast
• wheelchair price forecast
• key wheelchair producers

All data provided in this article covers the following product: HS Code 8713 - Carriages for disabled persons; whether or not motorised or otherwise mechanically propelled.

Source: World: Wheelchairs - Market Report. Analysis and Forecast to 2025