China was the largest exporter with 32% of the world total, and the United States was the largest buyer. Makers worldwide hold 17 FDA 510(k) clearances for hydrogel dressing devices.
What this market covers
Water rich gel dressings that keep wounds moist and help clear dead tissue. They are used for burns, pressure ulcers and other chronic wounds.
Typical segments
- Amorphous hydrogel gels
- Sheet hydrogel dressings
- Impregnated gauze hydrogels
- Silver hydrogel dressings
Why this market is moving now
- World trade grew 23% from 2019 to 2024, a direct read on cross-border demand.
- Mexico is gaining ground: its exports rose 73% from 2019 to 2024, the fastest among the ten largest exporters.
Key figures
Global figures for this market, with the year each one describes. Use Cite to copy a reference to this page.
| Figure | Value | Year | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| World exports of wadding, gauze, bandages and the like, e.g. dressings, adhesive plasters, poultices (HS 300590), the trade category that includes hydrogel dressing, were worth $5.11 billion in 2024. | 5.11 USD billion | 2024 | |
| World exports were 23% higher in 2024 than in 2019 ($4.16 billion), calculated from the annual totals. | +23 % since 2019 | 2024 | |
| China was the largest exporter in 2024, with 32% of world exports ($1.65 billion). | 32 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The three largest exporters, China, the United States and the United Kingdom, shipped 51% of world exports in 2024. | 51 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The United States was the largest importer in 2024, buying $906.4 million, or 18% of world imports. | 18 % of world imports | 2024 | |
| 68 countries exported more than $1 million of this product in 2024. | 68 countries | 2024 | |
| The average world export price was about $13.19 per kilogram in 2024, calculated from value and weight. | 13.19 USD per kg | 2024 | |
| Countries exported 387.7 thousand tonnes of this product in 2024. | 387.7 thousand tonnes | 2024 | |
| Among the ten largest exporters, Mexico grew fastest, with exports up 73% from 2019 to 2024. | +73 % since 2019 | 2024 | |
| Makers worldwide hold 17 FDA 510(k) clearances for hydrogel dressing devices. | 17 510(k) clearances | 2026 | |
| Carrington Laboratories holds 3 FDA 510(k) clearances for hydrogel dressing devices. | 3 510(k) clearances | 2026 | |
| Sherwood Medical holds 2 FDA 510(k) clearances for hydrogel dressing devices. | 2 510(k) clearances | 2026 | |
| Cardiotech Intl. holds 1 FDA 510(k) clearances for hydrogel dressing devices. | 1 510(k) clearances | 2026 | |
| Derma Sciences holds 1 FDA 510(k) clearances for hydrogel dressing devices. | 1 510(k) clearances | 2026 | |
| Innovative Technologies holds 1 FDA 510(k) clearances for hydrogel dressing devices. | 1 510(k) clearances | 2026 | |
| Kendall Healthcare Products Co. Div.Of Tyco Health holds 1 FDA 510(k) clearances for hydrogel dressing devices. | 1 510(k) clearances | 2026 | |
| Researchers worldwide published 40 papers on hydrogel wound dressing in 2025. | 40 papers | 2025 |
Calculated figures (shares, changes and prices per kilogram) are plain arithmetic on the reported values. Read how we work.
Buyers and suppliers
Who buys
- Hospitals
- Wound care clinics
- Home care providers
Largest exporting countries, 2024
Largest importing countries, 2024
Companies to watch
Carrington Laboratories
3 FDA 510(k) clearances for hydrogel dressing devices.
Sherwood Medical
2 FDA 510(k) clearances for hydrogel dressing devices.
Cardiotech Intl.
1 FDA 510(k) clearances for hydrogel dressing devices.
Derma Sciences
1 FDA 510(k) clearances for hydrogel dressing devices.
Innovative Technologies
1 FDA 510(k) clearances for hydrogel dressing devices.
Kendall Healthcare Products Co. Div.Of Tyco Health
1 FDA 510(k) clearances for hydrogel dressing devices.
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the global market - 03Global market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Countries and regions
Demand, supply and trade by country and region - 05Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 06Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 07Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 08Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 09Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 10Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 11Method and assumptions
How every figure was built
Included with the full report
- PDF report, 40 to 60 pages
- Excel data pack
- Ready-to-use charts
- Method note and assumptions
- Written to order in 5 working days
Frequently asked questions
How big is the global hydrogel dressing market?
There is no single official market total. World exports of HS 300590 reached $5.11 billion in 2024, a direct measure of cross-border trade.
Which countries export the most hydrogel dressing?
China led world exports in 2024 with 32% of the total, followed by the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany.
Which countries import the most hydrogel dressing?
The United States was the largest importer in 2024, followed by Germany, the Netherlands and Mexico.
Is world trade in hydrogel dressing growing?
World exports were 23% higher in 2024 than in 2019.
What is the average export price of hydrogel dressing?
Dividing world export value by weight gives about $13.19 per kilogram in 2024.
How many hydrogel dressing devices are cleared by the FDA?
Makers worldwide hold 17 FDA 510(k) clearances for hydrogel dressing devices.
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