Export and Import of Medicines

India is a large importer of pharmaceutical products from various countries in the world including China and Mexico. India's country-wise exports and imports of drugs, pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals is attached at Annexure-I & Annexure-II respectively. India's total exports and imports of drugs, pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals during the last three years is under:

Values in Rs. Crore

Year    Export    Import
2009-10    42455.66    9959
2010-11    48810.26    11113.86
2011-12    63347.32*    14384.88*

Source : DGCI&S

* The figures for 2011-12 are provisional and subject to change.

India is recognized world over for its low cost manufacturing capabilities and is a globally acknowledged source of high quality affordable generic medicines.  Department of Commerce is implementing a strategy for increasing Pharma exports to US$ 25 billion by 2014.  Government provides assistance under Market Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme and Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme to Indian exporters, including exporters of pharmaceutical products.  Besides this, incentives to Pharmaceutical industry are available in various trade promotion schemes under the Foreign Trade Policy. A special Brand India Pharma campaign has also been launched in focus markets with the objective of promoting India as a source of affordable, quality generics.