HS Code:
The Antibiotics category, primarily classified under HS Code 2941, encompasses a wide range of pharmaceutical products used to treat bacterial infections. This category includes both bulk antibiotics (active pharmaceutical ingredients) and finished dosage forms. Antibiotics are critical to global health, addressing diseases ranging from common infections to life-threatening conditions. The trade of antibiotics is influenced by factors such as production capacity, regulatory standards, patent protections, and the rising concern of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Major production hubs are often located in countries with advanced pharmaceutical industries, while demand is driven by healthcare needs across developed and developing nations.
Total Trade Volume
USD 40.5 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database & World Trade Organization (WTO)
USD 10.2 billion
25.2% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 6.8 billion
16.8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 5.5 billion
13.6% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 3.9 billion
9.6% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 2.7 billion
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements or for essential medicines in many countries)
Increased demand for generic antibiotics
Driven by patent expirations and cost pressures in healthcare systems, leading to higher trade volumes from countries like India and China.
2020-2022
Rising focus on antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
Governments and international organizations are pushing for stricter regulations and incentives for novel antibiotic development, affecting trade policies.
2021-2023
Supply chain diversification
Post-COVID-19, countries are seeking to reduce dependency on single-source suppliers (e.g., China) by encouraging local production or alternative sourcing.
2021-2023
The World Health Organization intensified its efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance, urging countries to limit the overuse of antibiotics and invest in R&D for new drugs.
June 2023
Likely to result in tighter import/export controls and increased funding for innovative antibiotics, affecting trade patterns.
The European Union updated its pharmaceutical strategy to ensure a secure supply of essential medicines, including antibiotics, by reducing reliance on non-EU suppliers.
November 2022
May lead to increased tariffs or incentives for domestic production within the EU, impacting exporters like China and India.
A bilateral agreement was signed to enhance cooperation in pharmaceutical manufacturing, focusing on quality control for antibiotics and other drugs.
March 2023
Expected to boost Indiaโs exports to the US while ensuring compliance with stringent FDA standards.