India’s pharma exports rise 6.8% to $8.1 billion in Q1 FY27

India’s pharmaceutical exports grew by 6.80 per cent to USD 8.10 billion during April–June FY 2026-27, compared with USD 7.58 billion in the corresponding period of the previous financial year, according to data released by the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil).

Pharmaceutical shipments increased by 7.13 per cent to USD 2.81 billion in June FY27, compared with USD 2.62 billion in June FY26. June exports were also 6.86 per cent higher than the USD 2.63 billion recorded in May FY27.

Drug formulations and biologicals contributed USD 5.98 billion during the quarter, accounting for 73.85 per cent of total pharmaceutical exports. The category recorded growth of 4.14 per cent over the corresponding period last year.

Bulk drugs and drug intermediates, the second-largest export category, grew by 13.84 per cent to USD 1.36 billion. Vaccine exports rose by 35.68 per cent to USD 0.39 billion, while surgical product exports increased by 11.95 per cent to USD 0.21 billion during the quarter.

NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement), Europe, Africa, and Latin America & the Caribbean (LAC) remained the key destinations for India’s pharmaceutical exports during the quarter, collectively accounting for nearly 75 per cent of total pharmaceutical exports. NAFTA accounted for 34.28 per cent of India’s overall pharmaceutical exports.

The United States remained India’s largest pharmaceutical export destination during April–June FY27, followed by Brazil, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and France. The top 25 export destinations accounted for nearly 70% of India’s pharmaceutical exports, with shipments valued at USD 5.65 billion. Exports to these 25 countries recorded year-on-year growth of 5.50 per cent during April–June FY27.

Commenting on the performance, Mr Namit Joshi, Chairman, Pharmexcil, said, “India’s pharmaceutical export performance demonstrates that the sector continues to combine scale in established markets with growing momentum across a wider set of geographies. The United States remains our largest export destination, with shipments valued at USD 2.50 billion and a 30.89 per cent share, while the strong performance of Brazil, the Netherlands, France and several emerging markets reflects the expanding global footprint of Indian pharmaceutical companies. The double-digit growth recorded across Europe, Africa, Latin America, ASEAN and South Asia is particularly important in the present global trade environment. India must continue consolidating its leadership in generics while building a stronger presence in complex generics, biosimilars, peptides and other innovation-led segments. Our ability to combine quality, regulatory credibility, manufacturing scale and market diversification will determine the strength of India’s next phase of pharmaceutical export growth.”

Mr Bhavin Mehta, Vice Chairman, Pharmexcil, said, “The growth recorded across vaccines, bulk drugs and drug intermediates reflects the increasing depth of India’s capabilities across the pharmaceutical value chain. Vaccine exports increased by 35.68 per cent, while bulk drugs and drug intermediates grew by 13.84 per cent during the quarter. Sustaining this momentum will require continued investments in advanced manufacturing, stronger quality systems, specialised production capabilities and regulatory preparedness. It will also be important to enable Indian MSMEs to upgrade their capabilities, meet international compliance requirements and participate more meaningfully in regulated and emerging global markets.”

Pharmexcil said it will continue to work with the Government of India, the pharmaceutical industry, overseas regulators and international stakeholders to strengthen market access, regulatory cooperation and the global competitiveness of Indian pharmaceutical exporters.

The Council will also support efforts to expand India’s presence across established and emerging markets and enable the industry to move towards higher-value and innovation-led pharmaceutical exports.