China was the largest exporter with 32% of the world total, and the United States was the largest buyer. Makers worldwide hold 10 FDA 510(k) clearances for surgical dressing devices.
What this market covers
Gauze, pads and adhesive covers placed over surgical wounds. Buyers are hospitals, clinics and pharmacies.
Typical segments
- Gauze dressings
- Film dressings
- Foam dressings
- Hydrocolloid 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 surgical 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 10 FDA 510(k) clearances for surgical dressing devices. | 10 510(k) clearances | 2026 | |
| 1 of those clearances were issued from 2021 to 2025. | 1 510(k) clearances | 2025 | |
| Corda Intl. Holdings holds 1 FDA 510(k) clearances for surgical dressing devices. | 1 510(k) clearances | 2026 | |
| Hem Con Medical Technologies holds 1 FDA 510(k) clearances for surgical dressing devices. | 1 510(k) clearances | 2026 | |
| Hemcon holds 1 FDA 510(k) clearances for surgical dressing devices. | 1 510(k) clearances | 2026 | |
| Huizhou Foryou Medical Devices Co. holds 1 FDA 510(k) clearances for surgical dressing devices. | 1 510(k) clearances | 2026 | |
| Medtronic Xomed holds 1 FDA 510(k) clearances for surgical dressing devices. | 1 510(k) clearances | 2026 | |
| Simar holds 1 FDA 510(k) clearances for surgical dressing devices. | 1 510(k) clearances | 2026 |
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
- Ambulatory surgery centers
- Medical device distributors
Largest exporting countries, 2024
Largest importing countries, 2024
Companies to watch
Corda Intl. Holdings
1 FDA 510(k) clearances for surgical dressing devices.
Hem Con Medical Technologies
1 FDA 510(k) clearances for surgical dressing devices.
Hemcon
1 FDA 510(k) clearances for surgical dressing devices.
Huizhou Foryou Medical Devices Co.
1 FDA 510(k) clearances for surgical dressing devices.
Medtronic Xomed
1 FDA 510(k) clearances for surgical dressing devices.
Simar
1 FDA 510(k) clearances for surgical 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 surgical 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 surgical 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 surgical dressing?
The United States was the largest importer in 2024, followed by Germany, the Netherlands and Mexico.
Is world trade in surgical dressing growing?
World exports were 23% higher in 2024 than in 2019.
What is the average export price of surgical dressing?
Dividing world export value by weight gives about $13.19 per kilogram in 2024.
How many surgical dressing devices are cleared by the FDA?
Makers worldwide hold 10 FDA 510(k) clearances for surgical dressing devices.
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