The association argues against national security concerns, calling for policies to strengthen domestic manufacturing and exports.
AdvaMed, the medtech association, has submitted formal comments to the US Department of Commerce in response to an investigation into whether the current level of medical technology imports has national security implications. In its response, the association positions the US medtech sector as a global leader and export powerhouse that is less reliant on imports than is often perceived.
“We look forward to working with the Administration to recognize and to reward the unique strength of the US medtech industry and to pursue targeted, America First policies that further bolster our domestic base and export platform,” says Scott Whitaker, AdvaMed president and CEO, in a release. “…Appropriately tailored policies can ensure that this critical American industry continues to thrive, innovate, protect, and strengthen the economic and health care systems of our great nation.”
Highlighting Domestic Industry Strength
The comments, submitted on behalf of AdvaMed’s more than 600 member companies, describe a flourishing domestic industry. According to the association, the US medtech sector supports three million jobs, and its manufacturing job growth has been three times faster than that of overall US manufacturing.
Citing US Census data, AdvaMed notes that 70% of the medical technology sold in the US is manufactured domestically. The association also emphasizes that the US is the world leader in medtech exports, maintaining trade surpluses with nearly all its trade partners.
Policy Recommendations for Growth
AdvaMed’s response outlines a series of recommended policies designed to support the US position in medtech production, innovation, and exports. These include seeking fair and reciprocal tariff-free trade, addressing market access barriers in specific countries, and advancing domestic regulatory reforms and procurement incentives.
“The American medtech industry is the backbone of our country’s health care system,” Whitaker says, in a release.
Through the Commerce Department investigation, AdvaMed is urging the administration to consider how lower tariffs, when combined with supportive policies, could promote more medtech manufacturing and job growth in the US. The association argues this would lead to greater access to lifesaving technologies, lower costs for American hospitals and patients, and more investment in the US.
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