US Medtech Industry Flags Risks as Tariffs on Chinese Devices Loom

Industry stakeholders argue that reimposing tariffs could severely disrupt global supply chains, raise costs, and limit access to essential healthcare technologies.

Leading US medtech firms, including industry association AdvaMed, have urged policymakers to reconsider proposed Section 301 tariffs on Chinese medical devices, citing significant economic and clinical risks. 

The opposition comes from the Biden administration’s revised China trade strategy, which seeks to expand tariffs to include a wide range of Class I and II medical devices such as surgical instruments, diagnostic tools, and orthopedic products.

These products are primarily sourced from China due to cost advantages and manufacturing scale. 

Industry stakeholders argue that reimposing tariffs could severely disrupt global supply chains, raise costs, and limit access to essential healthcare technologies.

Companies caution that the added financial burden is likely to be passed on to hospitals and patients at a time when the US healthcare system is already grappling with inflation, workforce shortages, and rising post-pandemic demand.

Graysen Vigneux, Medical Analyst at GlobalData, stated, “While the strategic intent is to re-shore critical manufacturing, the near-term effects of these tariffs may be counterproductive—raising costs and creating barriers to patient care. Many of these products are low-margin and deeply embedded in global supply chains.”

Medical device manufacturers are now exploring contingency plans such as shifting production to other low-cost regions, improving logistics, and evaluating reshoring options. However, the latter comes with significant investment and regulatory hurdles.

Vigneux added, “The united front from the medtech industry underscores the real-world challenges of abrupt trade policy shifts. Companies must now balance political pressure with operational resilience, cost control, and patient outcomes.”

As the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) reviews industry testimony, stakeholders await final decisions on the tariff list and timeline.

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