Top Destinations Where People Send Medicines from India—and Why

Often hailed as the 'Pharmacy of the World,' India supplies pharmaceuticals across the world. Indian pharma goods are known for their affordability, effectiveness, and reliability.

If we glance at the medicine shipping trends from India, we see that India has a 20% share in the global supply of generic medicines by volume and contributes to 60% of global vaccine production. In 2024, India’s pharmaceutical exports reached $27.8 billion , with generics and vaccines leading the charge, which means international delivery of Indian medicines is a lucrative business.

Indian businesses send medicines to New Zealand as well as send medicines to Germany. But what are the top destinations?

But where are these medicine courier from India going, and why are they in such high demand? In this blog we explore the top destinations for India’s pharmaceutical exports by looking at the popular countries for Indian medicine couriers and scratch the surface to know the reasons behind their prominence, using statistics and insights.

1. United States: The Largest Market for Indian Generics

   The United States of America, or the USA, has been the top destination for Indian pharmaceutical goods for years. The country receives 31% of India's total exports, valued at $8.73 billion in FY24.

   What's more important, Indian generics meet 40% of the U.S. demand for generic drugs, saving the healthcare system $219 billion in 2022 alone. Interestingly, India also has the highest number of U.S. FDA-approved manufacturing facilities outside the U.S., with 741 sites as of 2021.

   Why the U.S.?

   • Cost Savings : This is the key factor making Indian medicines popular in the USA. Indian medicines are 10 to 20% cheaper than the branded drugs. This price difference makes a huge impact in a cost-conscious healthcare system such as the USA.
   • Regulatory Trust : Indian medicines are not just economical but are also reliable. India’s adherence to U.S. FDA standards ensures quality.
   • High Demand : The U.S. is dependent on India for antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin), oncology drugs, and chronic disease treatments. Since the country has a huge aging population, these drugs are in higher demand. Plus there is a considerable number of people who send ayurvedic medicine from India to USA.

2. United Kingdom: The major European market

   After the US comes the United Kingdom at number two. India exported $784.32 million worth of Indian pharmaceuticals in FY24. The number is significant as it comprises 2.82% of India’s total pharma exports. How much is the UK reliant on India for medicine supplies? The answer lies in the fact that India supplies 25% of the U.K.’s generic medicines.

   • Strong Trade Ties : India and the UK have enjoyed positive bilateral agreements for decades, and adding to it India’s 622 EU-approved manufacturing sites, we see a seamless exports process.
   • Affordable Alternatives : Indian generics are significantly cheaper than other drugs.
   • Growing Demand for Biosimilars : The U.K.’s aging population needs affordable biosimilars, with India exporting products like trastuzumab for cancer treatment.

3. South Africa: A Gateway to Africa

   South Africa is a crucial destination on the African continent. The rainbow nation received $718.54 million in pharmaceuticals from India in FY24, comprising 2.58% of total exports. India supplies nearly 20% of Africa’s pharmaceutical requirements.

   • Essential Medicines : India is a huge producer of affordable generics for HIV/AIDS (60% of global ARVs), malaria, and tuberculosis, and these drugs form the integral aspect for South Africa’s public health challenges.
   • Vaccine Supply : India’s Serum Institute supplies 70% of UNICEF’s pentavalent vaccines and 50% of global measles vaccines. These vaccines are critical for South Africa’s immunization programs.
   • Economic Accessibility : South Africa’s focus on cost-effective drugs perfectly fits with India’s low-cost manufacturing.

4. Russia: The Sky is The Limit

   Russia imported $597.8 million worth of Indian pharmaceuticals in FY21–22. The exports are growing at a CAGR of 7.2% over three years. In 2023, India's pharma producers achieved a significant feat by toppling Germany and becoming Russia’s top pharmaceutical supplier.

   • Geopolitical Shifts : Russia's relations with the Western world have been strained in recent times. This has resulted in sanctions on Western suppliers. This ultimately means India now needs Indian generics and is dependent on them.
   • Cost-Effectiveness : Indian drugs such as azithromycin are priced lower than European alternatives. This means India's medicine ticks the box of Russia’s demand for affordable healthcare.
   • Emerging Needs : Russia, in particular, is focused on diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. This results in more demand for Indian generics and biosimilars.

5. Nigeria: Addressing African Healthcare Needs

   Apart from South Africa, Nigeria is a key importer of Indian medicines in Africa. Nigeria imported $588.6 million in pharmaceuticals from India in FY21–22.

   • High Disease Burden : Nigeria relies on affordable Indian treatments for malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis. Indian generics constitute 70% of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical imports.
   • Low-Cost Supply : India is known to produce drugs such as doxycycline at scale. This ensures accessibility in Nigeria, a country that has a limited budget for healthcare.
   • Vaccine and API Exports : India’s vaccines and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) play a key role in Nigeria’s immunization and local manufacturing efforts.

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Conclusion:

India exports medicines across the world. The USA, UK, South Africa, Russia, and Nigeria grab the top five positions. These countries trust Indian manufacturers to serve their medicinal requirements.

Indian companies are now widening their net and are targeting other markets as well. In times to come, India will have a larger say in global medicine exports. If you too are looking to send medicines to any of the above countries or to other countries, connect with Atlantic International Express today.

We have global reach and an efficient process to ship medicines abroad at affordable rates.

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