Brazilian medical equipment import market may be affected by disadvantageous US dollar exchange rates

Brazil, Russia, India and China, the BRIC countries represent a total medical market of USD 26.8 billion. The economic downturn has affected these geographies varyingly; for instance, the Brazilian medical device import market may be affected by disadvantageous USD exchange rates. Brazil has the largest economy and the medical device market in Latin America, but per capita medical expenditure is still very low. The highest expenditure is in the large cities, such as Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro, but producers are moving into regional markets outside the major state capitals. The GDP is forecast to grow at an average of 4.1% in 2018. With a growing economy, if inflation is kept in check, there will be more money available to spend on healthcare, both in the public and private sectors.