Chinese Medicines Increasingly Reach Global Health Market: Exports Top $100B
A new wave of Chinese-made drugs and medical devices is reaching the world, highlighting the significant strides China has taken in the global health market. Statistics from the Ministry of Commerce showed that in the first 11 months of 2025, China's medicine exports reached 100.895 billion U.S. dollars, with the product structure continuously optimizing.
Traditional strong-performing products, such as chemical active pharmaceutical ingredients and medical devices, have maintained a large share in the global market. Simultaneously, their export scales have steadily increased, signaling robust demand.
Innovation Driving Global Recognition
The global market is increasingly recognizing China's homegrown innovation. In 2025, Chinese drugmakers signed a record 135.7 billion U.S. dollars through 157 cross-border out-licensing deals. This represents a sharp rise from the 51.9 billion U.S. dollars across 94 deals recorded in 2024.
According to officials at a recent National Healthcare Security Administration conference, China's pharmaceutical and medical device exports are advancing toward higher value-added sectors. The primary focus has shifted to:
- Innovative Drugs
- High-End Formulations
- High-Performance Medical Devices
Dismantling Trade Barriers: New Platforms
Such achievements did not happen by accident. China has established various platforms to dismantle information barriers and supply chain obstacles.
Targeting ASEAN nations, this platform concluded its first 2026 transaction on Jan. 13: a deal worth over 10 million yuan between Qilu Pharmaceutical and a Thai purchaser.
Impact: Attracted 224 domestic drug companies and received procurement demands for over 170 types of drugs from Vietnam, Mali, and Thailand.
"The platform serves as a vital bridge of trust between ASEAN nations and China," said the general manager of a Thai pharmaceutical company.
"It has fundamentally transformed our approach to identifying partners, assessing product quality and conducting cross-border business."
Future Expansion: Xinjiang & Ningbo
Other platforms are under rapid development. The China (Xinjiang)-Central Asia Pharmacy was established in 2025 in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Additionally, another platform targeting Central and Eastern Europe is planned for Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, further integrating China into the global healthcare ecosystem.
