India’s pharma exports rise 6.5% to $20.48 billion as Brazil and Nigeria gain ground as high-growth markets

New Delhi: Brazil and Nigeria are increasingly emerging as important export destinations for Indian pharmaceutical companies even as global economic conditions remain uncertain, according to data released by the commerce ministry. Nigeria stood out as one of the fastest-growing markets, recording an additional USD 179 million in exports and accounting for more than 14 per cent of the overall export growth during the first eight months of the current financial year.

During the April–November period of FY26, Brazil also reported a rise of close to USD 100 million in pharmaceutical imports from India, the data showed. “These markets point to expanding healthcare access, higher public procurement and a growing dependence on Indian generic medicines, reinforcing India’s position as a reliable supplier to high-growth, demand-intensive regions,” an official said.

India’s pharmaceutical exports increased by 6.5 per cent to USD 20.48 billion during April–November 2025–26. The data further indicated that the United States remained the largest single market, accounting for over 31 per cent of total exports during the same period. At the same time, the overall growth trend reflected a widening demand base across multiple geographies, which is helping strengthen the resilience of India’s pharma export basket, the official added.

Along with the US, markets such as France, the Netherlands, Canada, Germany and South Africa posted steady growth, collectively supporting the expansion while maintaining stable market shares. The Netherlands, in particular, added more than USD 58 million in exports, underscoring India’s deeper integration into European pharmaceutical distribution networks.

“This mix of large-scale markets and diversified secondary destinations highlights a balanced export structure, where growth is being driven by both established healthcare systems and rapidly expanding emerging economies,” the commerce ministry official said.