HS Code:
The category containing Azithromycin or its salts falls under HS Code 294190, which covers antibiotics and their derivatives. Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including respiratory infections, skin infections, and sexually transmitted diseases. It is widely traded globally due to its importance in healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. This category includes both the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and its salt forms used in drug formulations. The global trade of Azithromycin is influenced by factors such as patent regulations, generic drug production, and public health demands.
Total Trade Volume
USD 1.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
Average Rate
6.5%
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-US trade pacts)
Rising demand for generic Azithromycin
Increased exports from India and China due to cost-effective production of generics post-patent expiry.
2021-2022
Increased focus on antibiotic resistance
Governments imposing stricter regulations on antibiotic trade and usage, impacting market growth in certain regions.
2020-2022
Surge in respiratory infection treatments
Higher demand for Azithromycin during and post-COVID-19 for secondary bacterial infections, boosting trade volumes.
2020-2021
The European Union introduced stricter import guidelines for antibiotics, including Azithromycin, requiring detailed documentation of supply chains to combat counterfeit drugs.
March 2023
Increased compliance costs for exporters, potentially slowing trade to EU markets in the short term.
India launched a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to enhance domestic production of key APIs like Azithromycin, aiming to reduce reliance on Chinese imports.
January 2022
Strengthened India's position as a leading exporter, likely increasing trade volumes in the coming years.
The World Health Organization updated its guidelines on antibiotic stewardship, recommending controlled use of Azithromycin to prevent resistance.
September 2022
Potential reduction in non-essential use, affecting trade volumes in markets with high over-the-counter sales.