According to officials, the mix of large established markets and fast-growing emerging economies reflects a balanced export strategy, with growth supported by both mature healthcare systems and expanding global demand for affordable medicines
Brazil and Nigeria are emerging as major growth drivers for India’s pharmaceutical exports, even as global economic conditions remain uncertain, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Nigeria stood out as one of the fastest-growing destinations during the first eight months of the current financial year. Exports to the West African nation rose by USD 179 million, accounting for more than 14 per cent of India’s total pharmaceutical export growth during the period. The sharp increase highlights Nigeria’s growing dependence on affordable Indian generic medicines to meet rising healthcare needs.
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Brazil also recorded strong growth, with Indian pharmaceutical exports to the South American country increasing by nearly USD 100 million between April and November of FY26
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Officials attributed this rise to improved access to healthcare, expansion of public procurement programmes, and greater trust in Indian-made medicines
A commerce ministry official said these markets reflect “rising healthcare access, expanding public procurement, and growing reliance on Indian generics”, reinforcing India’s position as a preferred supplier to fast-growing, demand-intensive regions.
Overall, India’s pharmaceutical exports rose by 6.5 per cent year-on-year to USD 20.48 billion during April–November 2025–26. The United States continued to be India’s largest export destination, accounting for over 31 per cent of total pharmaceutical exports. However, officials noted that demand is increasingly spread across multiple regions, helping to strengthen the resilience of India’s export portfolio.
Several European and developed markets also recorded steady growth. France, the Netherlands, Canada, Germany and South Africa contributed meaningfully to export expansion while maintaining stable market shares. Notably, exports to the Netherlands increased by more than USD 58 million, pointing to India’s deeper integration into European pharmaceutical distribution networks.
