Packaged medicines trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in packaged medicines was worth $484.23 billion in 2024, about 5.99 million tonnes. That is an increase of 43% since 2017, and up 3% on 2023.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
World trade by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $484.23B | 5.99M t |
| 2023 | $468.33B | 5.69M t |
| 2022 | $465.72B | 5.72M t |
| 2021 | $432.30B | 5.01M t |
| 2020 | $415.55B | 5.10M t |
| 2019 | $381.68B | 4.81M t |
| 2018 | $362.61B | 4.53M t |
| 2017 | $337.93B | 4.50M t |
Top packaged medicines exporting countries
Germany is the largest exporter with 14% of world exports, followed by Switzerland and Italy. The top three supply 31% between them, out of 211 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $66.47B | 14% |
| Switzerland | $46.54B | 9.6% |
| Italy | $38.91B | 8% |
| United States | $38.43B | 7.9% |
| Ireland | $32.11B | 6.6% |
| France | $27.77B | 5.7% |
| India | $24.15B | 5% |
| Slovenia | $24.07B | 5% |
| Belgium | $23.71B | 4.9% |
| United Kingdom | $18.31B | 3.8% |
| Spain | $14.88B | 3.1% |
| Netherlands | $14.07B | 2.9% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are the United States (19%), Switzerland (10%) and Germany (6%). 225 countries imported it, and the top three take 35% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $90.48B | 19% |
| Switzerland | $46.91B | 9.7% |
| Germany | $31.37B | 6.5% |
| Belgium | $22.89B | 4.7% |
| China | $19.64B | 4.1% |
| Italy | $18.18B | 3.8% |
| United Kingdom | $17.55B | 3.6% |
| France | $17.21B | 3.6% |
| Japan | $15.26B | 3.2% |
| Spain | $14.07B | 2.9% |
| Netherlands | $14.06B | 2.9% |
| Canada | $9.38B | 1.9% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $80.84 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Switzerland averaged $490.18 per kg and India $29.30 per kg, so grade and origin matter.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments worldwide. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 3004: Medicaments; (not goods of heading no. 3002, 3005 or 3006) consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic use, put up in measured doses (incl. those in the form of transdermal admin. systems) or packed for retail sale. HS 3004 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most packaged medicines?
Germany exported $66.47 billion in 2024, 14% of the world total, followed by Switzerland (10%) and Italy (8%). In all, 211 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most packaged medicines?
The United States imported $90.48 billion in 2024, 19% of world imports, ahead of Switzerland (10%) and Germany (6%). The top three importers together take 35%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in packaged medicines?
It was worth $484.23 billion in 2024, about 5.99 million tonnes. That is an increase of 43% since 2017. 2024 was the highest year since 2017. 211 countries reported exports and 225 reported imports.
What is the average price of packaged medicines per kg?
The world average declared value was about $80.84 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Switzerland averaged $490.18 per kg and India $29.30 per kg, so grade and origin matter. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so treat it as a benchmark, not a quote.
What is the HS code for packaged medicines?
The HS code for packaged medicines is heading 3004, in chapter 30 (pharmaceutical products). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 3004 page.
How can I find packaged medicines buyers and suppliers?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX shows the importers and exporters behind this trade from shipment-level customs records, updated weekly, with direct customs feeds and mirror data. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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