Medical device makers hit by tariffs

US medical device makers could lose $138 million this year as a result of the 25 percent US tariffs on Chinese imported goods that went into effect last week, and they may cause some manufacturers to downsize and cut research and development.

"We estimate that the imposition of additional 25 percent duties will impact approximately $836 million worth of medical technology entering the US from China, including related component parts and manufacturing materials," said Ralph Ives, executive vice-president of AdvaMed, a trade association based in Washington.

The products affected by the tariffs include pacemakers, electrocardiographs, ultrasound machines, magnetic resonance imagers, computer tomography (CT) and X-ray scanners.