India's pharma exports rise 4.9% to USD 16.14 bn in H1; shipments to Europe up nearly 10%: Pharmexcil

New Delhi: India's pharmaceutical exports grew nearly 5 per cent to USD 16.13 billion in the first half of the current fiscal year, driven by strong demand from Europe, ASEAN, and Latin America, according to Pharmexcil data released on Thursday.

Shipments stood at USD 15.38 billion in the same period last fiscal year.

According to data released by the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil), the first-half performance saw growth across drug formulations and biologicals, bulk drugs and drug intermediates, and surgical products.


During the second quarter (July-September 2026), outbound shipments increased 3.05 per cent to USD 8.04 billion, compared with USD 7.8 billion in the same period the previous year. In the quarter, September recorded the highest monthly export value at USD 2,744.05 million, marking an increase of 4.68 per cent over September 2025.

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Region-wise, exports to Europe rose 9.66 per cent to USD 3,288.27 million, making up 20.38 per cent -- or over one-fifth -- of India's total pharmaceutical exports during H1 FY27.

Exports to the ASEAN region grew 21.54 per cent, Latin America and the Caribbean rose 16.58 per cent, and shipments to Africa increased 6.48 per cent. These diversified geographic gains helped sustain overall export growth even as shipments to the US moderated during the period, Pharmexcil said.

On the product front, drug formulations and biologicals remained the largest export segment, accounting for 73.84 per cent of total shipments and growing 3.81 per cent. Bulk drugs and drug intermediates rose 12.07 per cent, while surgical exports climbed 9.53 per cent.

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Pharmexcil Chairman Namit Joshi said India has established its reputation globally on quality, affordable medicines, and large-scale manufacturing, and the next phase of growth must focus on moving up the value chain.

"The next phase of our growth should focus on moving up the value chain, where Indian companies are not just suppliers but active partners in pharmaceutical innovation," Joshi said, adding that Europe presents significant opportunities for co-development of complex generics, biosimilars, and specialised therapies.

Pharmexcil Vice Chairman Bhavin Mehta noted that double-digit growth in bulk drugs and intermediates reflects the breadth of domestic manufacturing capabilities.

He added that continued investment in quality systems, advanced manufacturing, and regulatory preparedness will support greater global participation by Indian exporters, including MSMEs.