Espicom's in-depth medical device market reports are ideal for executives wanting to understand the key drivers in medical markets and have access to a wealth of statistical data. Each report opens with an outlook section that provides analysis of the market, 5-year market forecasts, national data projections, market outlook and key developments such as regulation, health facilities and government policy. The report also provides extensive background information, population trends, health status, health expenditure, organisation & administration, hospital services, medical personnel, healthcare development, market access information, trade data and essential industry contacts. Included with the report are 3 free quarterly updated outlook reports, enabling you to keep up to date with market developments for a year. With a population over 100 million, Mexico is the second largest medical equipment market in the Americas, behind Brazil. At around US$2.2 billion in 2007, the market is similar in size to Australia or Korea. Per capita expenditure, however, is much lower at US$20, a similar level to that in Brazil.

Mexico's healthcare system is complex, with several government and public insurance bodies responsible for funding and providing care. Health coverage remains uneven, especially in poorer areas. A long-term World Bank-funded project is seeking to address some of these problems.

The market is dominated by imported products, principally from the USA. US manufacturers benefit from geographic proximity and preferential terms under NAFTA. That said, US suppliers' share of the import market fell in 2005, to around 62% compared with 70% in previous years.

Prior to 1993, Mexico consistently ran a balance of trade deficit in medical equipment. In 1993, however, mainly due to the ‘maquiladora' activity of US companies, exports soared and growth had been rapid ever since. The maquila programme allows materials and components to be imported into Mexico duty-free, processed or assembled into products and re-exported. Companies are able to take advantage of cheaper production costs, including competitive wages, while in close proximity to the US. The NAFTA trade agreement and the devaluation of the peso in the mid 1990s contributed to growth in this industry sector.