Market evolution: Ultrasound scanners (CN 901812) — 2015–2025
Introduction
This report analyses the trade dynamics of ultrasonic scanning apparatus (Combined Nomenclature code 901812) within the European Union over the period 2015–2025. As a high-value medical imaging technology, ultrasound scanners represent a strategically important segment of the EU's medical devices trade. The Scope & Definitions section confirms that CN 901812 corresponds to "Ultrasonic scanning apparatus" under the broader category of medical instruments and appliances, with a direct Prodcom mapping to code 26.60.12.80 covering electro-diagnostic apparatus.
Over the decade examined, the EU ultrasound scanner market has undergone significant structural transformation. While both imports and exports have expanded in value terms, the pace and direction of change have been asymmetric, producing a widening trade deficit, a geographic reorientation of supply chains, and the emergence of new production and specialisation hubs within the Union. This report identifies three principal dynamics that shaped the market over this period.
1. A Widening Trade Deficit Driven by Faster Import Growth
The EU trade balance in ultrasound scanners has deteriorated markedly
The most striking macro-level trend is the doubling of the EU's trade deficit in ultrasound scanners. The General Overview data show that the deficit widened from –€150 million in the first observed year to –€304 million in the last, a deterioration of 102.2%.
| Indicator | First Period | Last Period | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU exports (value) | €571.2 M | €722.1 M | +26.4% |
| EU imports (value) | €721.6 M | €1,026.2 M | +42.2% |
| Trade balance | –€150.4 M | –€304.1 M | –102.2% |
Import growth has outpaced exports in both volume and value
The asymmetry is not merely a price phenomenon. Import volumes grew by 34.0% (from 3,463 to 4,641 tonnes), compared with a 19.9% increase in export volumes (from 2,322 to 2,783 tonnes). This confirms that the EU's appetite for ultrasound scanners from third countries has expanded faster than its ability to sell abroad.
| Metric | Exports | Imports |
|---|---|---|
| Value growth | +26.4% | +42.2% |
| Volume growth | +19.9% | +34.0% |
| Unit price growth | +5.5% | +6.1% |
The EU remains a net exporter by production, but trade openness is increasing
Despite the deficit on external trade, the Autonomy & Vulnerability indicators show that net import reliance improved (became less negative) from –37.9% to –17.1% over the period, suggesting that the EU's domestic production base has grown. Indeed, EU production value rose from approximately €2.0 billion to €4.0 billion (+97.5%), while production quantities expanded from 3.4 million to 30 million units (+778.3%).
Simultaneously, trade intensity rose from 102.6% to 124.7%, and export propensity surged from 104.6% to 160.8% (+53.7%). This indicates that the EU ultrasound sector has become significantly more export-oriented even as it absorbs more imports — a pattern consistent with a globalised industry where cross-border supply chains are deepening.
2. Geographic Reorientation: Asian Suppliers Gain Ground as the US Share Declines
South Korea and China have become the EU's dominant import suppliers
The most dramatic geographic shift in the EU's ultrasound scanner trade has occurred on the import side. The top partners data reveal that imports from China surged by 168.2% (from €99.7 M to €267.5 M), while imports from South Korea nearly doubled, rising by 97.8% (from €112.5 M to €222.6 M).
| Import Partner | First Period (€M) | Last Period (€M) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | 99.7 | 267.5 | +168.2% |
| Korea, Republic of | 112.5 | 222.6 | +97.8% |
| United States | 300.1 | 227.4 | –24.2% |
| Japan | 89.0 | 143.9 | +61.6% |
| Norway | 24.1 | 64.1 | +165.5% |
The United States has lost significant import share
In contrast, imports from the United States — historically the EU's largest supplier at €300 million — fell by 24.2% to €227 million. This decline, combined with the rapid growth of Asian suppliers, has fundamentally altered the import landscape. By the end of the period, China had overtaken the US as the EU's top source of ultrasound scanner imports by value.
The concentration of imports by value (Herfindahl-Hirschman Index) fell from 2,359 to 1,893 (–19.8%), confirming a diversification away from US-dominated sourcing. However, concentration by volume rose from 1,841 to 2,117 (+15.0%), suggesting that while import values are more diversified, physical shipments may be consolidating around fewer origin points.
EU export destinations have also shifted
On the export side, the EU's largest market remains the United States, which absorbed €158 million (+29.9%). However, several other destinations saw striking growth:
| Export Partner | First Period (€M) | Last Period (€M) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 121.6 | 158.0 | +29.9% |
| Norway | 12.3 | 52.1 | +323.8% |
| United Kingdom | 39.6 | 70.1 | +76.9% |
| Russian Federation | 33.0 | 47.5 | +44.2% |
| Switzerland | 20.1 | 32.3 | +60.9% |
| India | 19.0 | 22.3 | +17.4% |
| China | 75.5 | 29.7 | –60.6% |
EU exports to Norway grew by an extraordinary 323.8%, making it the second-largest destination by end of period. Exports to China, however, declined by 60.6%, likely reflecting the growth of domestic Chinese production capacity. Export concentration (HHI by value) decreased modestly from 831 to 769 (–7.5%), indicating a gradual diversification of export markets.
Trade volatility varies significantly by partner
The volatility analysis reveals that some trade relationships are considerably more unstable than others. Import flows from Israel (coefficient of variation 1.29) and Mexico (0.82) show the highest volatility among significant partners, while Japan (0.10) and Korea (0.15) offer relatively stable supply. On the export side, Türkiye (0.61) and Hong Kong (0.62) show the highest volatility.
Several shock events were detected, notably a significant Korean import price shock in 2022 (abnormality score 14.8, +21.2% shift) coinciding with post-pandemic supply chain disruptions, and a Brazilian export price shock in 2022 (abnormality score 27.8, +87.6% shift) suggesting acute market-specific distortion.
3. Emerging EU Production Hubs and Shifting Internal Specialisation
Austria and Romania have emerged as specialised ultrasound scanner producers
The specialisation analysis for 2025 reveals a clear hierarchy of EU Member States in ultrasound scanner production:
| Member State | RSCA | RCA | Product Share | Total Export Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austria | 0.795 | 8.757 | 28.9% | 3.3% |
| Romania | 0.496 | 2.972 | 5.0% | 1.7% |
| Slovakia | 0.447 | 2.618 | 5.5% | 2.1% |
| Netherlands | 0.338 | 2.021 | 29.3% | 14.5% |
| Lithuania | 0.037 | 1.076 | 0.7% | 0.6% |
Austria stands out with an RCA of 8.757 and an RSCA of 0.795, indicating strong and highly concentrated specialisation in ultrasound scanner production. This is consistent with the presence of major manufacturers such as Samsung Medison (formerly Medison, headquartered in Austria following its acquisition).
The Netherlands and Germany dominate in absolute trade volumes
While specialisation indices highlight niche expertise, the top reporters data show that absolute trade volumes are concentrated in the largest EU economies:
Top EU importers by value (2025):
| Member State | Imports (€M) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | 315.9 | +35.7% |
| Germany | 169.1 | –16.2% |
| Austria | 176.3 | +77.6% |
| France | 67.3 | +12.5% |
| Italy | 53.7 | +52.4% |
| Poland | 41.2 | +162.2% |
| Spain | 32.5 | +288.8% |
Top EU exporters by value (2025):
| Member State | Exports (€M) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | 167.6 | +45.4% |
| Austria | 125.1 | –32.6% |
| Netherlands | 110.5 | +4.8% |
| France | 80.3 | –7.6% |
| Italy | 52.5 | +16.5% |
| Denmark | 47.4 | +299.8% |
| Romania | 42.8 | +1,340.5% |
Several Member States have experienced explosive growth trajectories
The most striking intra-EU development is the rise of Romania as an export platform: exports grew from a mere €3.0 million to €42.8 million, an increase of 1,340.5%. Similarly, Denmark saw exports surge by 299.8% (from €11.9 M to €47.4 M). On the import side, Spain (+288.8%) and Poland (+162.2%) recorded the fastest growth, likely reflecting expanding healthcare infrastructure and diagnostic equipment demand in these markets.
Austria's position is noteworthy: while it remains a top exporter (€125.1 M), its exports actually declined by 32.6% from a peak of €189.6 M, even as its imports grew by 77.6%. This may reflect a restructuring of European supply chains, with Austria shifting from a pure export base to a more balanced trade position — potentially re-exporting components or finished goods after value-added processing.
Conclusion
The EU market for ultrasound scanners (CN 901812) has evolved substantially between 2015 and 2025, shaped by three interconnected dynamics. First, the trade deficit has doubled, driven by import growth (+42.2%) that significantly outpaced export growth (+26.4%), even as domestic production nearly doubled in value. Second, the geographic centre of gravity of EU imports has shifted decisively towards Asia, with China and South Korea displacing the United States as the dominant suppliers — a trend that carries strategic implications for supply chain resilience. Third, within the EU, production and specialisation are increasingly concentrated in specific Member States, with Austria, Romania, and Denmark emerging as key hubs, while the Netherlands and Germany remain the largest volume traders.
Looking ahead, the combination of rising export propensity (160.8%), declining import concentration, and expanding domestic production suggests that the EU ultrasound scanner sector is becoming more integrated into global value chains from both ends. The main vulnerability lies in the growing dependence on Asian suppliers, whose combined share has expanded rapidly. Policymakers and industry stakeholders should monitor whether the EU's production growth can keep pace with import demand, and whether emerging hubs like Romania and Denmark can sustain their rapid expansion trajectories.