South and Central America Ultrasound Market Outlook (2021-2031)

The ultrasound market in South and Central America is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated US$ 259.94 million by 2031, up from US$ 208.58 million in 2024. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.3% from 2025 to 2031.

Executive Summary and Market Analysis

The ultrasound market in South and Central America is on a gradual upward trajectory, driven by improved access to healthcare services, increased awareness of preventive diagnostics, and a rising demand for non-invasive imaging techniques. Brazil stands out as the fastest-growing market in the region, attributed to its large population, diverse healthcare systems, and progressive public health policies. Ultrasound technology is widely utilized across various diagnostic fields, with the highest demand observed in maternal-fetal medicine, cardiology, and emergency care. The trend towards portable and point-of-care ultrasound systems is gaining momentum, particularly in hospitals, clinics, urgent care facilities, and even home settings.

The market is also witnessing a shift towards advanced imaging technologies, including 3D and 4D ultrasound, as well as AI-based interpretation tools, especially in urban areas where healthcare infrastructure is more developed. Public health initiatives and private sector investments are key drivers of this growth. However, disparities in income and access to private healthcare continue to impact ultrasound usage across the region.

Market Segmentation Analysis

The ultrasound market can be segmented based on product type, portability, application, and end user.

Product Type: The market is divided into diagnostic ultrasound systems and therapeutic ultrasound systems, with diagnostic systems dominating the market in 2024.
Portability: The segmentation includes portable/trolley-based devices and handheld devices, where portable/trolley-based devices held the largest market share in 2024.
Application: The ultrasound market is categorized into general imaging, cardiology, oncology, gynecology, orthopedics, urology, gastroenterology, and others, with general imaging being the leading segment in 2024.
End User: The market is segmented into hospitals, specialty clinics, diagnostic imaging centers, ambulatory surgical centers, and others, with hospitals accounting for the largest share in 2024.

Market Outlook

The ultrasound market in South and Central America is evolving towards more inclusive and community-based healthcare models. Brazil plays a pivotal role in this transition, bolstered by its extensive public health network and ongoing investments in modern imaging technologies. Portable and handheld ultrasound systems are increasingly being adopted, extending diagnostic services to rural and underserved populations.

In urban hospitals, there is a growing trend towards the adoption of AI-enabled imaging resources, which enhance workflow efficiency and improve diagnostic accuracy in high-volume areas such as obstetrics and radiology. While advanced cart-based systems are prevalent in leading tertiary hospitals, there is a rising demand for smaller, bedside devices that can be integrated into new telehealth programs. Regional health priorities, particularly in maternal care and chronic illness management, underscore the importance of ultrasound technology. Despite existing barriers to equitable healthcare access and budget constraints, there is optimism that ongoing efforts to enhance diagnostic capabilities will foster growth in the ultrasound market across the region.

Country Insights

The South and Central America ultrasound market is further segmented by country, including Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and the Rest of South and Central America. Brazil is the dominant player in this market, holding the largest share in 2024.

Brazil's well-established healthcare system encompasses public, supplemental, and private facilities, supported by various governmental programs aimed at improving healthcare access. The Brazilian public health system (SUS) is crucial for expanding access to ultrasound services in both urban and rural areas, particularly in maternal health and chronic disease management. Larger urban hospitals are increasingly utilizing advanced imaging technologies, such as 3D and 4D ultrasound, along with AI platforms for enhanced diagnostic capabilities. Mobile, handheld, and point-of-care ultrasound technologies are being integrated into diagnostic workflows in rural and remote regions. Government investments in mobile ultrasound solutions and telehealth initiatives are improving access and addressing regional healthcare disparities. Brazil continues to lead the region in ultrasound adoption and is evolving as the largest market for ultrasound technology.

Company Profiles

Key players in the South and Central America ultrasound market include GE HealthCare, Siemens Healthineers AG, FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Canon Inc., Koninklijke Philips N.V., Esaote SPA, Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd., Hologic Inc., Trivitron Healthcare, and Samsung Healthcare. These companies employ strategies such as market expansion, product innovation, and mergers and acquisitions to maintain competitiveness and deliver innovative products to consumers. Show more