Orthopaedic and fracture appliances market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

The orthopaedic and fracture appliances market in Belgium began the period at US$162.6 million in 2018. The implementation of the new EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR), published in 2017 with a transition period until 2024, began to influence the market by requiring extensive documentation and validation processes for implants, affecting their availability. By 2020, the market volume had contracted significantly to US$122.3 million.

A strong recovery followed, with the market expanding to US$176.5 million in 2021 and further to US$215.8 million in 2022. The introduction of the 'Quality Act' on 1 July 2022, which established quality conditions for healthcare practitioners, supported this growth by fostering higher standards of care and likely increasing demand for orthopaedic appliances. The market stabilized at US$215.8 million in 2023, a year marked by health technology assessment reports from KCE and training initiatives by OTC Belgium, which promoted knowledge and innovation within the sector.

In 2024, the market volume adjusted to US$189.6 million. This period saw the enforcement of new Belgian and EU legislation impacting medical devices, including changes in taxation and fee systems. Significant industry consolidation occurred, exemplified by Enovis's acquisition of LimaCorporate, while leading companies launched innovative products like the DonJoy Roam OA knee brace. Underlying demand drivers remained strong, supported by an aging population and a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in Belgium.

Production orthopaedic and fracture appliances in Belgium

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Belgium's production of orthopaedic and fracture appliances declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 114.7 million US dollars, marking a slight decrease of 2.5% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 4.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.3%. The highest production value was recorded in 2018 at 123.9 million US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 12.5%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant decline of 5.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Belgium in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports orthopaedic and fracture appliances from Belgium

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Belgium's cross-border shipments of orthopaedic and fracture appliances totaled 1 146 tonnes, showing a sharp year-on-year reduction of 39.2%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 37.6%, with an average annual decline of 14.5%. The peak export volume was in 2019 at 1 885 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 10.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Germany, and the United States remained the primary buyers of orthopaedic and fracture appliances from Belgium, accounting for 39.8%, 11.5%, and 10.7% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, these three countries formed 62.0% of total exports in kind.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Belgium in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, Belgium's exports of orthopaedic and fracture appliances declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 369.8 million US dollars, reflecting a modest drop of 3.9% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 79.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 21.5%. The highest export value was recorded in 2019 at 384.9 million US dollars, while 2018 saw the largest increase of 46.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Belgium in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, no single market dominated Belgium's exports of orthopaedic and fracture appliances in value terms. France, the Netherlands, and China accounted for 12.7%, 10.0%, and 8.6% of exports, respectively, together making up only 31.4% of total exports. Many smaller partners each held modest individual shares.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Belgium in value, 2017-2020

Imports orthopaedic and fracture appliances to Belgium

Imports in kind, t

Belgium's imports of orthopaedic and fracture appliances fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 2 901 tonnes, corresponding to a significant reduction of 24.5% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 17%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.4%. The maximum import volume was in 2018 at 3 947 tonnes, which also recorded the largest increase of 59.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, China, and the United Kingdom were the largest contributors to Belgium's imports in kind, representing 31.0%, 26.2%, and 10.6% of imports, respectively. Combined, these three countries accounted for 67.8% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Belgium in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Following two years of increase, Belgium's imports of orthopaedic and fracture appliances declined. In 2020, imports reached 377.4 million US dollars, constituting an 11.4% loss compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 22.7%, with an annualized rate of 7.1%. The peak import value was in 2019 at 425.7 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 25.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Belgium in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Over the 2017-2020 period, Switzerland, the United States, and the Netherlands stood out as the main markets for Belgium's imports in value terms, accounting for 60.4%, 14.6%, and 14.5% of imports, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 89.5% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Belgium in value, 2017-2020