From 2013 to 2023, South Africa’s imports of medical needles, catheters, and cannulae experienced significant fluctuations, with a notable peak in 2013 followed by a sharp decline in 2014. The market eventually stabilized, showing moderate growth from 2016 onwards. As of 2023, the volume of imports stood at 20.799 billion kilograms, reflecting an annual increase albeit at a decelerating rate in recent years.
In terms of year-on-year variation:
- From 2021 to 2022, the growth rate was 3.09%.
- From 2022 to 2023, the growth rate slowed slightly to 2.93%.
The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the last five years was 3.27%, indicating steady growth despite occasional dips. Looking ahead, the forecast suggests a continued gradual increase, with imports projected to reach 23.589 billion kilograms by 2028, reflecting a 1.99% CAGR over the next five years.
Future trends to watch for include evolving healthcare needs, technological advancements in medical devices, and potential shifts in trade policies, which could impact import volumes and growth rates.