EU's technology sector, as represented by MedTech Europe, appeals for medical equipment and diagnostic tools to be spared in any potential trade disputes with the United States.
The medical technology industry is urging policymakers on both sides of the Atlantic to exempt medical technologies from any trade tariffs or export restrictions as part of the ongoing EU-U.S. trade dispute.
Last week, MedTech Europe, the European trade association for the medical technology industry, called on European policymakers to exempt medical technologies from any tariffs or restrictions. The organisation expressed deep concern about the draft proposal for countermeasures to U.S. tariffs, which includes over 800 trade codes related to medical technologies.
The EU-U.S. trade deal, announced on July 27, 2025, by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and U.S. President Donald Trump, sets a 15% tariff on most medical devices, diagnostics, and pharmaceuticals exports from the EU to the U.S. However, some exemptions have been made, such as for semiconductor manufacturing equipment and certain generic drugs.
If the EU and U.S. cannot reach a broader deal by August 1, 2025, the European Commission plans to impose countermeasures of up to 30% tariffs on numerous U.S. goods starting August 7, 2025, as retaliation for U.S. tariffs.
MedTech Europe is particularly concerned about the potential disruption to supply chains and the impact on patient care. Replacing components is not always a simple option, and in some cases, no alternative exists. Where substitutes are possible, the process of revalidation is lengthy and resource-intensive to ensure the same high standards and safety are met.
The U.S. has already imposed a 20% tariff on most goods imported from the EU, which could potentially affect the access to medical technologies. MedTech Europe wants to avoid retaliatory measures from the EU and is echoing the call from its U.S. counterpart AdvaMed for a zero-for-zero policy on trade between the U.S. and European Union for medical technologies.
The status of international trade actions, including tariffs on medical devices and diagnostics, can be tracked. For more information, refer to "Trump's tariffs: Tracking the status of international trade actions" by Philip Neuffer, Edwin Lopez, updated July 28, 2025.
In summary, the medical technology industry is urging policymakers to exempt medical technologies from any tariffs or export restrictions in the ongoing EU-U.S. trade dispute. The EU-U.S. trade deal sets a 15% tariff on most medical devices, diagnostics, and pharmaceuticals exports from the EU to the U.S., with some exemptions. If no wider deal is reached by early August 2025, the European Commission plans to impose retaliatory tariffs up to 30% on U.S. goods. MedTech Europe and AdvaMed’s current views on this deal are not detailed in the search results, but they typically oppose tariffs impacting medical technology sectors. The potential disruption to supply chains and the impact on patient care are of great concern to the industry.
- The medical technology industry is advocating for policymakers to exclude healthcare devices from any trade tariffs or export restrictions in the ongoing EU-U.S. trade dispute.
- The European Commission's proposed countermeasures to U.S. tariffs include over 800 trade codes involving medical technologies, causing deep concern within the industry.
- Under the new EU-U.S. trade deal announced in July 2025, most medical devices, diagnostics, and pharmaceuticals exports from the EU to the U.S. are subject to a 15% tariff, with some exceptions for specific items like semiconductor manufacturing equipment and certain generic drugs.
- If a broader deal cannot be reached by August 1, 2025, the European Commission may impose retaliatory tariffs of up to 30% on various U.S. goods, potentially affecting the access to medical technologies.
- MedTech Europe is worried about the potential disruption to supply chains and the impact on patient care due to the proposed tariffs and restrictions, as replacing components and finding alternatives can be complex, lengthy, and resource-intensive.
- In light of this, MedTech Europe is calling for a zero-for-zero policy on trade between the U.S. and European Union for medical technologies to avoid further retaliatory measures from the EU.
- The current status of international trade actions, including tariffs on medical devices and diagnostics, can be monitored through resources such as "Trump's tariffs: Tracking the status of international trade actions" by Philip Neuffer and Edwin Lopez.
- The medical-conditions, health-and-wellness, and medtech sectors are keeping a close eye on the EU-U.S. trade dispute, with concerns about how tariffs and trade restrictions could impact the industry, finance, business, politics, general-news, and crime-and-justice sectors.
- As the deadline for a broader trade deal draw near, policymakers across the globe are being urged to consider the long-term implications on healthcare, safety, and the wellbeing of millions of patients in light of this ongoing trade dispute.
