The global optical and medical device market is growing rapidly, driven by an aging population, digital health, AI diagnostic technology, and increasing demand for optical sensors. South Korea's optical and medical device exports are projected to reach approximately USD 16.95 billion by 2024. Significance of using Trading Economics
: Understanding technological prowess, certification, and global regulatory changes directly contributes to strengthening the export competitiveness of Korean companies.
Various optical, medical, and technical equipment are included as export items, with health devices, diagnostic equipment, optical lenses, and sensor modules being the mainstays.
division | HS code examples | Representative items | Strategy Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optical lenses and modules | HS90.01~90.10, etc. | Camera modules, medical endoscope lenses | Responding to high-precision and ultra-miniaturization demands |
| Diagnostic and testing equipment | HS90.21~90.24 | CT/MRI, ultrasound, blood analyzer | Medical institution demand + R&D is important |
| Optical sensors and imaging equipment | HS85.42·90.28 Auxiliary | Image sensor, optical measuring instrument | Semiconductor, automobile, and medical convergence sectors |
| Medical machinery and equipment | HS84.14~84.17, etc. | Surgical robots, rehabilitation devices, and medical automation equipment | Focus on high value-added and new markets |
Recognizing strategic points for each product will help you plan your export product mix and technology investment direction.
Korea's optical and medical device exports are expanding, focusing on markets in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Country/Region | Strong items | Market characteristics | Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Diagnostic and imaging equipment, surgical robots | Strong regulations on certification and health benefits | High-quality, high-function products are essential |
| Europe/UK | Optical sensors, ophthalmic devices | Strengthening certification systems such as CE and MDR | Pre-certification and local response are important. |
| Southeast Asia and Japan | Optical modules and medical device components | Growing into a manufacturing hub | Demonstrating Korean companies' strength in parts supply |
| china | Medical automation equipment and optical lenses | Fostering domestic industries | Need to secure differentiation technology |
Understanding the characteristics of each export destination country helps you develop entry strategies and manage risks.
Although production volume measurement is complex, exportable volume is determined by technological capabilities, certification, delivery rate, and quality factors.
item | Number/estimate | unit | note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Export amount (2024) | approximately USD 16.95 billion | USD | Trading Economics |
| Domestic market size | Approximately USD 7.11 billion (2024) | USD | Fortune Business Insights |
| Exportable ratio | Estimated at around 50-60% | % | Consider certification and scale restrictions |
The production and export potential index can be used to determine the demand margin compared to supply capacity.
For high-precision optical and medical equipment, safety, precision, and reliability standards are very important.
field | Main specifications | note |
|---|---|---|
| Optical lenses and modules | ISO 10110, ISO 13849 | Precision processing and machine safety standards |
| medical imaging equipment | IEC 60601, IEC 62304 | Electrical Safety and Software Verification |
| Optical sensors and measuring instruments | ISO 5725, ASTM E 112 | Measurement accuracy and reliability evaluation |
Compliance with standards has a direct impact on export contracts, certification, and reliability.
For medical and optical equipment, product certification is a prerequisite for market entry.
division | Certification name | Applicable area |
|---|---|---|
| medical devices | FDA 510(k) / CE MDR | US/Europe |
| optical equipment | ISO 13485, IEC 60825 | Global |
| Information and communication convergence | IEC 62366, ISO/IEC 27001 | Digital medicine and sensor fusion |
Obtaining certification is essential for entering new markets and securing competitiveness.
For high-priced, high-precision equipment, the logistics chain is important, from packaging and transportation to installation and post-service.
Product group | means of transportation | Average lead time | Key Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| large medical equipment | Special packaging for air or sea | 20~40 days | Installation delays, customs duties, and transportation damage |
| Optical modules and sensors | Container/Aviation | 7~20 days | ESD, temperature, and shock risks |
| Diagnostic devices and consumables | Aviation | 5~15 days | Urgent delivery/quality damage |
Understanding logistics conditions is essential for designing contract terms (FCA/CIF) and packaging and shipping strategies.
High-value-added equipment and precision modules have small transaction units, high unit prices, and less standardization.
Product group | MOQ | unit | characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
| large medical equipment | 1 Set or more | Units | Custom production and installation required |
| Optical modules and sensors | 100 to 500 pieces | Dog (Units) | Parts logistics and inventory management are important. |
| Diagnostic equipment and consumables | 1 Pallet or more | Pallet | Considering repeat deliveries and logistics efficiency |
MOQ information helps you set sales terms, calculate costs, and develop inventory management strategies.
Quantitative indicators such as unit price, seasonality, tariff risk, and ESG are analyzed and used to establish strategies.
cord | item | example | conjugation |
|---|---|---|---|
| (A) | Unit price/transaction price range | Optical lens unit price: USD ~200 ~ 500/piece | Pricing strategy and margin design |
| (B) | Seasonal patterns | Medical device purchases are expected to peak in Q3 and Q4. | Establishment of production, delivery, and logistics plans |
| (C) | Tariff and non-tariff risks | Responding to the EU MDR Strengthening and US HS Code Revision | Establishing an export market diversification strategy |
| (D) | Domestic alternative industry data | Increasing trend in the proportion of domestically produced medical devices | Designing a parallel domestic and export strategy |
| (E) | ESG·Net Zero Correlation | Increasing demand for eco-friendly medical devices | Opportunities for developing differentiated products |
| (F) | Country-specific risk index | US/EU risk level 0.30 | Market Selection and Supply Chain Response Indicators |
| (G) | List of major buyers | Global hospital and AI medical device company | Overseas Sales and Partnership Design |
The introduction of quantitative indicators will strengthen strategic decision-making in areas such as export planning, inventory management, and market selection.
We forecast export trends for the next three months, reflecting recent changes such as increased demand for digital health and optical sensors, and expanded investment in certification and facilities.
segment | ΔExport(%) | ΔPrice(%) | ΔCountryShare(pp) | TrustIndex(0–1) | 3M Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optical lenses and modules | +2.2% | +0.7% | +0.2 pp | 0.75 | Expected to see increased demand for smartphones and automotive optics. |
| Medical imaging and diagnostic equipment | +1.0% | +0.3% | +0.1 pp | 0.70 | Continued demand for equipment replacement and aging population |
| Optical sensors and imaging devices | +3.1% | +1.1% | +0.3 pp | 0.78 | Increasing convergence of AI health and automotive sensors |
Forecast indicators are used as a practical information basis for export contracts, production adjustments, and logistics operations.
