HS Code:
Medicaments primarily affecting the digestive system (HS Code: 3004.90 - Medicaments, in measured doses, etc., excluding antibiotics, hormones, and alkaloids) include pharmaceutical products designed to treat conditions related to the gastrointestinal tract. These products encompass antacids, anti-ulcer medications, laxatives, anti-diarrheal drugs, and other digestive health remedies. This category is critical to global healthcare, addressing widespread issues like acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, and other digestive disorders. The trade of these medicaments is influenced by factors such as aging populations, dietary habits, and healthcare access.
Total Trade Volume
USD 25.3 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database & World Trade Organization (WTO)
USD 4.8 billion
19.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 3.9 billion
15.4% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 3.2 billion
12.6% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 2.5 billion
9.9% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 1.8 billion
7.1% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-USMCA)
Rising demand for proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and antacids
Increased trade volume due to growing prevalence of GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) linked to lifestyle changes and stress
2021-2022
Growth in generic drug exports from developing countries
Countries like India and Brazil are increasing market share by offering cost-effective alternatives, impacting pricing strategies of branded drugs
2020-2022
Shift towards over-the-counter (OTC) digestive remedies
Easier access to OTC products is boosting trade in retail channels, reducing dependency on prescription-based sales
2019-2022
The European Union introduced streamlined regulatory guidelines for the approval of digestive system medicaments to facilitate faster market entry while maintaining safety standards.
March 2023
Expected to increase intra-EU trade and reduce compliance costs for manufacturers, potentially lowering prices for consumers.
A bilateral agreement reduced tariffs on certain pharmaceutical products, including digestive system medicaments, as part of broader trade negotiations.
January 2023
Likely to boost exports from China to the US, increasing competition with domestic and European suppliers.
India launched a production-linked incentive scheme for pharmaceutical exports, targeting generics and digestive health products to strengthen its global market position.
September 2022
Anticipated to enhance Indiaโs export volumes, particularly to African and Southeast Asian markets, by making products more price-competitive.