Surging demand for medical gloves, which are largely considered nondiscretionary, has primarily contributed to steady price growth of medical gloves over the past three years
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) October 02, 2014
IBISWorld estimates that medical gloves have a buyer power score of 3.7 out of 5, which indicates high negotiating power for buyers. Due to their requisite nature, medical gloves are generally perceived as nondiscretionary products. Buyers continually invest in good-quality medical gloves to ensure patient health and safety. Buyers have time to evaluate their purchasing needs, as well as alternatives, without prospects of major price swings.
There are a plethora of medical glove suppliers and low product specialization in the market, which keeps the total cost of switching suppliers low. The top four suppliers of medical gloves are Cardinal Health, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Owens & Minor Inc. and Medline Industries. Consolidation in the overall healthcare sector has propelled consolidation among suppliers of medical gloves. “Consolidation benefits suppliers by allowing them to serve multiple locations, purchase inventory in bulk and share knowledge and expertise; however, consolidation reduces buyer negotiation power by reducing the number of suppliers from which to choose,” according to IBISWorld business research analyst Anna Son. In order to increase their leverage, many buyers have joined group purchasing organizations (GPOs) that can receive favorable pricing for their members given their significant negotiating clout with medical supply manufacturers and wholesalers.
The average price of medical gloves is forecast to continue rising during the three years to 2017. The aging population and the number of newly insured people will spur demand for healthcare services and surgical procedures, while changes in technology will increase the types and complexity of medical equipment,” Son says. Although the supply chain risk is medium, the medical equipment sector is highly regulated. Consequently, changes in regulatory compliance have the potential to significantly impact buyers, because suppliers will seek to pass increased costs on to end customers. However, the competitive nature of the medical glove market and the increasing power of GPOs will provide buyers with more leverage in price negotiation. For more information, visit IBISWorld’s Medical Gloves procurement category market research report page.
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IBISWorld Procurement Report Key Topics
This report is intended to assist buyers of medical gloves and accessories. Medical gloves are used during medical examinations and procedures to help prevent transmission of various diseases to patients and healthcare personnel. They are made from different types of polymers, such as latex, nitrile rubber, vinyl and neoprene and come non-powdered or powdered with cornstarch to make them easier to put on the hands. There are two major types of medical gloves: examination and surgical. While surgical gloves are typically sterile and have more precise sizing with better precision and sensitivity, examination gloves are available as either sterile or non-sterile.
Executive Summary
Pricing Environment
Price Fundamentals
Benchmark Price
Pricing Model
Price Drivers
Recent Price Trend
Price Forecast
Product Characteristics
Product Life Cycle
Total Cost of Ownership
Product Specialization
Substitute Goods
Regulation
Quality Control
Supply Chain & Vendors
Supply Chain Dynamics
Supply Chain Risk
Imports
Competitive Environment
Market Share Concentration
Market Profitability
Switching Costs
Purchasing Process
Buying Basics
Buying Lead Time
Selection Process
Key RFP Elements
Negotiation Questions
Buyer Power Factors
Key Statistics
About IBISWorld Inc.
IBISWorld is one of the world's leading publishers of business intelligence, specializing in Industry research and Procurement research. Since 1971, IBISWorld has provided thoroughly researched, accurate and current business information. With an extensive online portfolio, valued for its depth and scope, IBISWorld’s procurement research reports equip clients with the insight necessary to make better purchasing decisions, faster. Headquartered in Los Angeles, IBISWorld Procurement serves a range of business, professional service and government organizations through more than 10 locations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.ibisworld.com or call 1-800-330-3772.