China and India Match in Antimalarial Drug Exports
Chinese and Indian pharmaceutical firms reached nearly equal export values to African markets in 2025.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Healthcare
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In 2025, Chinese pharmaceutical exports of antimalarial drugs reached US$89.3 million, effectively matching Indian exports of US$89.6 million. This shift marks a notable rise for China, which exported just US$62.6 million in 2021 compared to India's US$121 million.
Why it matters
The intensified competition between China and India is driven by aggressive pricing and a shift toward domestic finished product manufacturing. This rivalry is expected to lower costs for essential medicines but raises concerns about long-term product reliance and local research growth in Africa.
Guilin Pharmaceutical accounted for 45.6 percent of the US$442.7 million in Global Fund deliveries analyzed. While India maintained 54.5 percent of total cargo weight shipped to 12 African markets in 2025, its market dominance has steadily eroded.
The players
Guilin Pharmaceutical
This major pharmaceutical producer captured 45.6 percent of the Global Fund delivery value for antimalarial supplies.
Fosun Pharma
This global healthcare company is currently constructing a new pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Ivory Coast.
Fidson Healthcare
This Nigerian pharmaceutical company is collaborating with international partners to establish a local antiretroviral production facility.
The details
Chinese firms have moved beyond producing raw active pharmaceutical ingredients to manufacturing finished products like injectable artesunate. Companies such as Fosun Pharma, Jiangsu Aidea Pharma, and PharmaBlock Sciences are further strengthening their presence through new manufacturing facilities in Ivory Coast and Nigeria.
Timeline
2021: Indian antimalarial drug exports reached US$121 million.
2022: India held a 71.5 percent share of imports across eight countries.
2025: Chinese and Indian export values for antimalarials reached near parity.
2025: India's import share in eight specific markets dropped to 64.2 percent.
Market Landscape
This trend follows a pattern set by the Global Fund procurement strategies regarding the distribution of antimalarial medicines in Africa. The evolving balance of trade signals a broader transition in global health procurement, where manufacturing dominance is shifting toward firms that control the entire supply chain.
Increased competition between major pharmaceutical exporters is expected to drive down the retail and procurement costs of essential antimalarial drugs. Healthcare systems and patients in Africa may benefit from more affordable access to quality-assured medical treatments.
The takeaway
The rise of Chinese manufacturing in the African healthcare market underscores a shift in how essential medicines are supplied to the continent. Developing local production capabilities remains a key strategy for African firms aiming to reduce reliance on external suppliers.
Further reading
Learn more about the ongoing changes in the Healthcare sector.
Source note: This article includes information reported by South China Morning Post.
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