Orthopaedic and fracture appliances market in Estonia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for orthopaedic and fracture appliances in Estonia grew from 14.6 million USD in 2018 to 16.0 million USD in 2019, then slightly declined to 15.6 million USD in 2020 before a sharp contraction to 6.0 million USD in 2021.

From 2022, the market stabilized and began to recover. In May 2022, the Estonian Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa) started reimbursing orthoses and insoles, introducing a digital prescription system for family doctors to improve patient access. This reimbursement expansion, coupled with a broader list of covered medical devices, laid the groundwork for market growth. Concurrently, the EU's stricter Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR) came into force, affecting market access requirements. In 2023, the market volume increased by 14% to 6.9 million USD, driven by the continued rollout of the digital prescription system and further expansion of reimbursements, which enhanced consumer access to orthopaedic aids. The market then experienced a moderate correction in 2024, declining to 6.5 million USD, amidst the ongoing transitional period for EU regulations and tighter national oversight of manufacturers and distributors.

Production orthopaedic and fracture appliances in Estonia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Orthopaedic and fracture appliances production in Estonia has been declining for three consecutive years. In 2021, output was valued at 1 167 thousand US dollars, marking a sharp 90.0% decrease compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production fell by 91.8%, which translates to an average annual decline of 56.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Estonia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports orthopaedic and fracture appliances from Estonia

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Estonia's export volume of orthopaedic and fracture appliances reached 148.1 tonnes, representing a significant 60.2% increase from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 53%, with an average annual growth rate of 15.2%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 92.5 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in the same year, dropping by 29.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Estonia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Denmark was the primary buyer of orthopaedic and fracture appliances from Estonia, accounting for 81.8% of total exports in volume. Other countries shared the remaining portion.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Estonia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Estonia's export value of orthopaedic and fracture appliances has decreased for two consecutive years. In 2021, exports totalled 1 395 thousand US dollars, showing a substantial 24.0% decline from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports dropped by 61.3%, averaging an annual decrease of 27.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 3 830 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 52.1% occurring in 2020 and the largest increase of 6.3% in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Estonia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

During 2018–2021, Germany and Denmark were the dominant buyers of orthopaedic and fracture appliances from Estonia in value terms, together accounting for 87.7% of total exports. Other partners contributed a smaller share.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Estonia in value, 2018-2021

Imports orthopaedic and fracture appliances to Estonia

Imports in kind, t

The import market for orthopaedic and fracture appliances in Estonia showed volatility over the observed period. In 2021, imports amounted to approximately 80.3 tonnes, indicating a sharp 39.2% decrease year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, imports peaked in 2020 at 132.2 tonnes and reached their lowest point in 2018, with a 5.4-fold difference between these years. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, surging by 427.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Estonia in kind, 2018-2021, t

In 2018–2021, Germany, Poland, and Austria were the main sources of orthopaedic and fracture appliance imports to Estonia in volume terms. Germany accounted for 47.8%, Poland for 12.0%, and Austria for 11.5% of imports, combining for a total share of 71.2%.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Estonia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Estonia imported orthopaedic and fracture appliances valued at 1 395 thousand US dollars, reflecting a modest 7.4% increase from the previous year. Over the period 2018-2021, imports rose by 55.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.8%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 6.2%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019, growing by 54.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Estonia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Switzerland, the United States, and Germany were the leading suppliers of orthopaedic and fracture appliances to Estonia in value terms. Switzerland accounted for 40.1%, the United States for 14.1%, and Germany for 13.4% of imports, together forming 67.6% of the total.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Estonia in value, 2018-2021