The exports of medical dressings from China increased in the first quarter of the current year, driven by growing sales in emerging markets in the midst of weak demand from the US and Europe.

During January-March 2012 period, China’s exports of medical dressings were worth US$ 498 million, registering a 12.02 percent rise over exports of US$ 444 million achieved during the corresponding quarter of last year, as per the customs statistics.

However, the around 12 percent growth rate in medical dressings exports is very low compared to the over 30 percent rise in exports witnessed during 2011.

But the export growth rate was similar to the 11.26 percent increase witnessed in total exports of medical appliances during the quarter.

Absorbent cotton, gauze and bandage prices grew by 3.3 percent year-on-year during the three-month period under review.