KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's medical device exports to Brazil rose 66.1 per cent to RM109.1 million in the first half of 2026, according to the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade).
The growth was driven by rising demand for high-quality medical consumables, creating fresh opportunities for Malaysian manufacturers to expand in Latin America's largest economy.
Matrade said Malaysian exporters are well positioned to tap growing demand in Brazil's healthcare sector, backed by international certifications and globally recognised manufacturing standards.
The stronger exports come as Brazil's consumption of healthcare materials rose 4.9 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, with healthcare providers seeking more cost-effective solutions amid rising equipment costs.
Matrade said Malaysian manufacturers have a competitive advantage in producing high-volume medical consumables such as syringes, catheters and cannulas while meeting global quality standards.
This has become increasingly relevant as prices of high-technology medical equipment in Brazil rose 27.4 per cent, prompting hospitals to optimise spending without compromising quality.
Recent engagements by Matrade Sao Paulo with Brazilian healthcare companies, including Descarpack, Magnamed, FANEM, Scitech and Instramed, highlighted growing interest in Malaysian suppliers.
The companies are looking to diversify their supply chains and explore partnerships in bulk medical consumables and original equipment manufacturer contract manufacturing.
Matrade is facilitating business-to-business matching sessions to help Malaysian companies connect with Brazilian distributors and secure private-label manufacturing opportunities across Latin America.
Matrade chief executive officer Datuk Abu Bakar Yusof said the strong export growth reflects Malaysian manufacturers' ability to meet stringent international standards.
"The significant 66.1 per cent growth in our medical device exports to Brazil demonstrates that Malaysian manufacturers are highly capable of meeting strict global standards.
"As Brazil navigates rising healthcare costs, there is a strategic opportunity for Malaysian companies, including micro, small and medium enterprises, to supply high-quality, competitively priced medical consumables to this massive market," he said.