Introduction to Mexico’s Medical Device Industry Growth
In recent decades, Mexico has emerged as a global manufacturing giant in the medical devices sector. This industry not only generates thousands of high-specialization jobs but also positions Mexico as the leading exporter of these products in Latin America and the fifth-largest globally. With monthly exports surpassing US$1.3 billion in early 2025, according to the Secretaría de Economía, Mexico’s relevant market approaches US$15 billion annually, driven by clusters in Baja California, Jalisco, and Nuevo León.
The Rise of SMEs in the Medical Device Industry
Behind Mexico’s leading export position—which could potentially rank it third globally—lies an ecosystem of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) striving to sustain the value chain and foster technological development. While multinational corporations like Medtronic, Baxter, Becton Dickinson, Siemens Healthineers, GE Healthcare, and Boston Scientific dominate innovation, local SMEs provide essential services such as logistics, assembly, and distribution around large medical device manufacturing plants. Over 140 of these foreign-owned installations contribute to 96% of national production, with local SMEs playing a crucial role.
Challenges Faced by SMEs
Despite the industry’s growth of 15% annually over the past decade, surpassing even the pharmaceutical industry’s dynamism, SMEs face a representative void that hinders their potential. Mostly distributors and low- to medium-volume manufacturers, they haven’t found a full place in dominant private organizations like the Mexican Association of Innovative Medical Device Industries (AMID) or the National Chamber of Pharmaceutical Industry (CANIFARMA).
ANAPS’s Initiative for a Distinct Identity
Led by the National Association of Service Providers (ANAPS), presided by Carlos Salazar, this movement began in 2012 and now comprises around 740 companies. ANAPS emphasizes the need for a distinct identity for medical devices, seeking autonomy to directly mediate with authorities, collaborate with national academia, and position Mexico as an exporter of value-added products rather than just assembly.
Legal Obstacles and Future Steps
However, the path isn’t straightforward. A legal opinion by CG&A, Juan Carlos Castillo’s firm, highlights a structural obstacle: the Law on Business Chambers and their Federations requires an industrial chamber to have at least 100 purely industrial members (transforming or manufacturing) representing 25% of the specific business and operating in at least ten federal entities. According to this legal stance, ANAPS doesn’t meet these material requirements since its commercial nature places it outside the industrial scope. The document warns that using “National Chamber” without Economy Secretariat authorization could result in fines or closures.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Are there actual manufacturers included in ANAPS? A: Carlos Salazar asserts that more than 120 manufacturers support this movement. If true, a conflict seems imminent.
