division | Main contents | Basis/Source |
|---|---|---|
| Global medical device market | Post-pandemic normalization + aging population and increasing demand for AI diagnostic devices | WHO, Fitch Solutions 2025 |
| Intensifying technological competition | Rapid Growth in AI Diagnostic Imaging and Precision Medical Devices | Reuters 2025.9 |
| Regulations and Customs Clearance | Strengthening FDA and CE medical device certification standards | KFDA and EU MDR 2025 Guidelines |
| External risk | US-China trade conflict → Delays in the supply of medical components | Bloomberg 2025.8 |
As medical device imports steadily grow due to the spread of AI diagnostic and precision medical technologies , risks in the medical and optical precision device parts supply chain are gradually expanding.
item | Details | Data source |
|---|---|---|
| HS code | 90 (Optical, Photographic, Measuring, Medical or Surgical Instruments) | UN Comtrade |
| Main detailed items | 9018 (medical devices), 9027 (analytical and measuring devices), 9001 (optical lenses), 9013 (laser devices) | Customs Service Trade Statistics |
| 2024 import volume | Approximately USD 46.5 billion (6.9% of total imports) | OEC, KITA trade data |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR '20–'24) | +5.6% | Industrial Yearbook |
| Major industrial demand sources | Hospitals, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and research institutes | KMDIA 2025 |
HS90 items are the core foundation of the medical and precision technology industries , and are centered on imports of high-priced diagnostic devices, precision measuring equipment, and optical components.
ranking | importing country | Specific gravity (%) | Features and Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | USA | 37 | Focused on expensive medical equipment such as MRI and CT |
| 2 | germany | 21 | Superiority in precision optics and medical device technology |
| 3 | japan | 17 | Focused on diagnostic devices and optical lenses |
| 4 | china | 11 | Low-cost consumables and optical components |
| 5 | Swiss | 5 | High-precision analysis equipment |
The top five countries account for 91% of total imports, and the U.S.-Germany-Japan triangle in particular is driving the medical and optical equipment market.
division | 2023 Q3 | 2024 Q3 | Increase/decrease (%) | note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| medical diagnostic devices | 8.2 billion USD | USD 900 million | +9.8 | Demand for AI diagnostic devices is on the rise. |
| Optical and photographic equipment | 5.7 billion USD | 590 million USD | +3.4 | Imaging sensor · Camera module |
| Measuring and testing equipment | 330 million USD | 350 million USD | +6.1 | Semiconductor and research institute demand |
| total | USD 1.72 billion | USD 1.84 billion | +7.0 | Stable growth trend |
The growth rate of medical device imports is exceeding the overall average due to the expansion of AI, precision diagnosis, and bio-infrastructure .
division | 2024 Q1 | 2024 Q2 | 2024 Q3 | Fluctuation (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MRI machine (USD/unit) | 1.33 M | 1.35 M | 1.38 M | +2.2 |
| CT scanner | 0.97 M | 0.99 M | 1.03 M | +4.0 |
| Optical lenses and image sensors | 58 K | 59 K | 60 K | +1.7 |
| Analysis and Measurement Equipment | 0.41 M | 0.43 M | 0.45 M | +4.6 |
The rising unit prices of advanced diagnostic equipment and AI-linked devices are driving up imports.
branch | characteristic | Import Volatility Index (0–1) |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Waiting for government medical budget execution | 0.41 |
| Q2 | Focus on equipment renewal at large hospitals | 0.67 |
| Q3 | Bio exhibition and project ordering | 0.72 |
| Q4 | Accounting reconciliation and inventory management | 0.53 |
The Q2-Q3 order concentration phenomenon is evident, and is linked to the research institute and hospital renewal season.
item | detail |
|---|---|
| Tariff rate | 0~8%, most FTA items are duty-free |
| Non-tariff | Medical device certification (KFDA, CE, FDA), clinical data submission requirements |
| Domestic alternative industries | Domestic production of diagnostic equipment (20% → 35%), domestic production of optical components (40%) |
| Future tasks | Simplifying AI medical device manufacturing certification and expanding domestic after-sales service networks. |
The complexity of regulatory approval procedures affects the speed of imports, and fostering a domestic diagnostic device ecosystem is key in the mid- to long-term.
characteristic | evaluation | meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon emissions impact | Low | Non-industrial facility-focused |
| Waste Management | middle | There are medical waste disposal costs. |
| Net Zero Contribution | award | Proliferation of medically efficient and carbon-saving devices |
Medical and optical devices have a relatively small carbon footprint, but waste management and consumable ESG issues are gradually emerging.
importing country | Policy/Technology Risk (0–1) | Logistics Risk (0–1) | Comprehensive Trust Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 0.22 | 0.29 | 0.82 |
| germany | 0.25 | 0.30 | 0.78 |
| japan | 0.31 | 0.28 | 0.74 |
| china | 0.48 | 0.38 | 0.61 |
| Swiss | 0.26 | 0.27 | 0.79 |
Average Trust Index = 0.75 (Good) .
High proportions of the US and Germany ensure excellent supply stability and high quality reliability.
industry | Major institutions and companies | Items used | note |
|---|---|---|---|
| medical services | Samsung Seoul Hospital, Seoul National University Hospital, Severance Hospital | MRI, CT, ultrasound | Import share 90% |
| Pharmaceuticals and Bio | Celltrion, Hanmi Pharmaceutical, Yuhan Corporation | Laboratory measuring and analysis equipment | Expanding R&D investment |
| Electronics and Optics | Samsung Electronics, LG Innotek | Camera module · optical sensor | Imported parts → Reprocessed for export |
| research institute | KIST, ETRI, university hospitals | Precision analysis equipment | High dependence on imported equipment |
characteristic | Currently (2025 Q3) | Compared to the previous quarter (Δ%) | analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
| ΔImport | +3.5% | ▲1.2 | Expanding imports of medical diagnostic and optical devices |
| ΔPrice | +2.6% | ▲0.8 | Focus on high-priced AI diagnostic equipment |
| ΔCountryShare | +0.5% | ▲0.3 | Slight increase in the proportion of the US and Germany |
| Trust Index | 0.75 | = | Good supply chain stability |
| Forecast (3M) | +4.2% | ▲ | Demand for AI imaging diagnostics continues to grow. |
Summary: Korea's imports of medical and optical devices are steadily increasing, driven by AI diagnostics and precision analysis. The expansion of supply lines in the US and Germany is contributing to improved supply chain reliability.
division | Suggestion | Expected effect |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Simplified AI Medical Device Certification and KFDA-EU Mutual Recognition | Improving import speed and competitiveness |
| 2 | Expansion of medical equipment after-sales service and parts localization centers. | Reduce maintenance costs |
| 3 | Support for domestic diagnostic device R&D | import substitution effect |
| 4 | Utilizing AI Trade Index-Based Procurement Prediction Models | Improving budget efficiency |
| 5 | Introduction of ESG standards (waste and carbon) for healthcare | Establishing a foundation for sustainable growth |
HS90 (Optics, Photography, Medical Devices) Imports Trade Index – 2025 Q3
ΔImport +3.5% / ΔPrice +2.6% / Trust 0.75 / Forecast +4.2%
→ Outlook: Maintaining a solid upward trend (Positive).
Demand for AI precision medicine and optical sensors is expected to continue its growth in the mid- to long-term, and transitioning to domestic production and innovation in the certification system are key policy directions.
