|
India, UK discuss evolving pharma trade relationship in the backdrop of India-UK FTA
|
|
Shardul Nautiyal, Mumbai
June 26 , 2025
|
|
|
In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral pharmaceutical trade ties, a high-level pharma industry meeting which concluded recently in Hyderabad discussed evolving trade relationship in the backdrop of India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The event which saw participation from Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil) was co-hosted by Gareth Wynn Owen, British Deputy High Commissioner to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, at the Deputy High Commissioner’s residence in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.
The exclusive gathering served as a pivotal platform to discuss the evolving India-UK trade relationship against the backdrop of the long-awaited FTA, which is expected to be signed by the end of July, according to official sources.
“The India-UK Free Trade Agreement marks a significant step in strengthening pharmaceutical collaboration, enhancing supply chain resilience, and driving a surge in bulk drug imports. This shift not only reinforces India’s competitive edge but also opens new avenues for CDMO joint research, development, and innovation—making medicines accessible, qualitative, and affordable,” said Namit Joshi, chairman, Pharmexcil, during the event.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Gareth Wynn Owen, British Deputy High Commissioner stated, “The UK-India collaboration event was a fantastic showcase of industry dialogue and its impact. The recent UK-India FTA announcement highlights the UK's commitment to free and fair trade. We look forward to deeper engagement with India’s life sciences sector, particularly at the upcoming Bharat Health 2025, organized by Pharmexcil, to further strengthen the UK-India relationship.”
Industry leaders, regulatory experts, and senior executives from top pharmaceutical companies also came together for a panel discussion focused on driving innovation, ensuring quality, and enabling digital transformation in pharma manufacturing. The evening featured insights from Murali Krishna S, director, Pharmexcil, who emphasized the strategic importance of regulatory alignment and sustainable growth in exports, while highlighting the long-term impact of trade agreements on the life sciences ecosystem.
India’s pharmaceutical exports to the UK in FY 2024-25 are projected at USD 830.18 million, growing 17.74%. Drugs formulations & biologicals lead with USD 703.18 million (84.70% share, 15.69% growth), while bulk drugs & intermediates rose 38.88% to USD 83.41 million. Surgicals and Ayush & herbals expanded, but vaccine exports fell 69.59%, reflecting market shifts.
In April 2025 vs April 2024, drugs formulations & biologicals increased 28.10% to USD 66.49 million. Bulk drugs & intermediates grew 10.90%, while Ayush & herbals surged 59.88%. Surgicals declined 9.15%, and vaccines remained stagnant, likely due to reduced approvals.
India’s pharmaceutical imports from the UK in FY 2024-25 grew 12.85% to USD 430.15 million, driven by demand for specialized products. Bulk drugs & intermediates dominated at USD 290.12 million (67.45% share, 10.47% growth), while drugs formulations & biologicals totalled USD 110.58 million (15.86% growth).
Surgicals, Ayush & herbals saw moderate growth, but vaccines dropped 22.54%, indicating sourcing strategy shifts. In April 2025 vs April 2024, bulk drugs & intermediates rose 8.62% to USD 25.48 million, while drugs formulations & biologicals grew 11.45% to USD 9.80 million. Surgicals and Ayush & herbals showed minor increases, but vaccines declined 34.29% to USD 0.38 million, reinforcing reduced annual imports.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOPICS
|
Shanghai-based Hualian Pharmaceutical Machinery Company Limited, a family-run enterprise with roots going back to 1986, ...
|
|
|
|
|