We develop, manufacture, distribute and sell our products globally. We intend to continue to expand our operations and to pursue growth opportunities outside the U.S., especially in emerging markets. Operations in different countries, including emerging markets, could expose us to additional and greater risks and potential costs, including:
- fluctuations in currency exchange rates,
- trade protection measures, tariffs and other border taxes, economic sanctions, export controls, and import or export licensing requirements,
- healthcare reform legislation,
- the need to comply with different regulatory regimes worldwide that are subject to change and that could restrict our ability to manufacture and sell our products,
- local product preferences and product requirements,
- longer-term receivables than are typical in the U.S.,
- less intellectual property protection in some countries outside the U.S. than exists in the U.S.,
- different labor regulations and workforce instability,
- political and economic instability, including as a result of armed conflicts and insurrections,
- restrictions on local currency conversion or cash extraction,
- potentially negative consequences from changes in or interpretations of tax laws, and
- economic instability and inflation, recession or interest rate fluctuations.
Changes in the international trade policy of the U.S. and other countries, including increased trade restrictions or tariffs, have the potential to adversely impact Medtronic. The ongoing global economic competition and trade tensions between the U.S. and China, as well as increased tariffs between the U.S. and other trading partners, including Mexico, Canada, the E.U. and other countries and regions in which we do business, impose significant costs and present a risk to Medtronic. China, which comprises approximately six percent of our total revenue, and the U.S., could impose other types of restrictions such as limitations on government procurement or technology export restrictions, which could affect Medtronic’s access to significant markets. Trade, export control, and other regulatory measures are increasingly targeted toward specific technologies and capabilities, such as software, digital health solutions, and AI-enabled tools, which could restrict our ability to develop, manufacture, deploy, service, or support certain products or operations in particular markets, including China.
Geopolitical tensions and conflicts have the potential to adversely impact our business. The Russia-Ukraine conflict and resulting sanctions and export restrictions are creating barriers to doing business in Russia and Belarus and adversely impacting global supply chains. While we have no manufacturing, distribution or direct material suppliers in the region, we continue to closely monitor the potential raw material/sub-tier supplier impact in both Russia and Ukraine including materials like palladium and neon, which are both dependent on Russia supply. More broadly, certain critical materials and components used in our products or manufacturing processes may be sourced from, processed in, or subject to regulatory oversight in a limited number of jurisdictions, increasing our exposure to supply disruptions, price volatility, or regulatory leverage arising from geopolitical tensions. In addition, military operations in the Middle East have disrupted maritime traffic in and around the Strait of Hormuz and have driven higher energy costs, which may strain global supply chains and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. Conflict in Israel and in the Middle East region generally may also disrupt our operations and could adversely impact global supply chains and our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. To the extent that these conflicts result in increased spending by governments on defense and diversion of resources from healthcare spending, our business may also be adversely affected.
Other significant changes or disruptions to international trade arrangements, such as termination or modifications of other existing trade agreements, may adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. In addition, a significant amount of our trade receivables are with national healthcare systems in many countries. Repayment of these receivables is dependent upon the political and financial stability of those countries. In light of these global economic fluctuations, we continue to monitor the creditworthiness of customers. Failure to receive payment of all or a significant portion of these receivables could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.
Finally, changes in currency exchange rates may impact the reported value of our revenues, expenses, and cash flows. In addition, the impact of currency devaluations in countries experiencing significant currency exchange fluctuations could negatively impact the Company's operating results. We cannot predict changes in currency exchange rates, the impact of exchange rate changes, nor the degree to which we will be able to manage the impact of currency exchange rate changes.