Sterilizers for medical, surgical or laboratory use market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Swedish market for sterilizers was shaped by a rising adoption of low-temperature technologies, particularly ethylene oxide sterilizers, which accounted for over half of market revenue. This shift was driven by the growing number of surgical procedures and the need to safely process heat-sensitive instruments, aligning with clinical guidelines. The state-owned company Getinge AB reinforced its leading position as a key domestic manufacturer during this period. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 accelerated investments in advanced sterilization equipment across Swedish healthcare facilities, as infection prevention became a critical priority, contributing to increased production and market activity.

From 2021 onward, regulatory pressures played a significant role. The implementation of the EU's Medical Device Regulation (MDR) compelled healthcare providers and manufacturers to ensure stricter compliance, traceability, and quality standards, spurring upgrades and new purchases of sterilization systems. Concurrently, the market saw continued innovation from major players, including Getinge's launch of the Poladus 150 low-temperature sterilizer in 2024, designed with advanced barrier technology to reduce cross-contamination and combat healthcare-associated infections. This focus on technological advancement and regulatory adherence supported the market's expansion.

The market volume grew substantially from 17.9 million USD in 2020 to 44.4 million USD in 2024. This sharp increase was underpinned by sustained drivers such as the rising volume of surgical interventions, the persistent focus on reducing hospital-acquired infections, and the broader adoption of automated and energy-efficient sterilization solutions in Swedish hospitals. These factors, combined with the country's strong export position for sterilization equipment, created a dynamic environment where domestic production and innovation directly responded to both local healthcare demands and international regulatory trends.

Production sterilizers for medical, surgical or laboratory use in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Annual dynamics of production in Sweden in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports sterilizers for medical, surgical or laboratory use from Sweden

Exports in kind, t

Sweden's exports of sterilizers for medical, surgical or laboratory use have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 590 tons of these sterilizers, representing a 21.9% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 41.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -16.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export market for sterilizers in kind was broadly diversified. The United States accounted for 18.5% of exports in kind, China for 10.6%, and France for 4.3%. Together, these three countries represented just 33.3% of total flows, while the remaining 66.7% was distributed among numerous other nations.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Sweden's exports of sterilizers for medical, surgical or laboratory use in value terms have decreased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 40 948 thousand US dollars, marking a 5.7% decline from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports dropped by 37%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -14.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the export market for sterilizers in value terms from Sweden showed limited concentration. The United States held 20.6% of exports in value terms, China 10.8%, and Ireland 4.1%. Combined, these three countries accounted for only 35.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports sterilizers for medical, surgical or laboratory use to Sweden

Imports in kind, t

Sweden's imports of sterilizers for medical, surgical or laboratory use in kind have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 166 tons, reflecting a 24.5% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 60.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, Italy, and Germany were the key partners for Sweden's imports of sterilizers in kind. Poland accounted for 22.7% of imports in kind, Italy for 20.0%, and Germany for 14.9%. Together, these three countries represented 57.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Sweden's imports of sterilizers for medical, surgical or laboratory use in value terms have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, import volume stood at 10 993 thousand US dollars, showing an 18.6% improvement over the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 75.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.7%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany, Poland, and Italy formed the primary group of partners for Sweden's imports of sterilizers in value terms. Germany accounted for 27.2% of imports in value terms, Poland for 18.1%, and Italy for 17.3%. Collectively, these three countries represented 62.6% of total import flows.

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

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