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Chinese Medicines and Medical Devices Gain Ground Globally as Exports Hit Record Highs

Prime Highlight

  • Chinese-made medicines and medical devices are seeing rising global acceptance, supported by record exports and international licensing deals in 2025.
  • The export mix is shifting toward higher-value and innovative pharmaceutical products, reflecting growing trust in China’s drug research and manufacturing.

Key Facts

  • China’s medicine exports reached $100.9 billion in the first 11 months of 2025, while cross-border drug licensing deals surged to $135.7 billion across 157 agreements.
  • New regional medical trading platforms have attracted 224 Chinese drug companies and orders from multiple countries, boosting cross-border healthcare trade.

Background

Chinese-made medicines and medical devices are gaining stronger acceptance in global markets, as exports and international deals reached record levels in 2025, official data showed.

According to China’s Ministry of Commerce, the country’s medicine exports totaled $100.9bn in the first 11 months of 2025. Officials said the export mix continued to improve, with more advanced and higher-value products entering overseas markets.

Traditional export products such as chemically active pharmaceutical ingredients and medical devices remained strong. These products kept a large share of the global market and recorded steady growth in export volumes during the year.

At the same time, Chinese drugmakers saw a sharp rise in global licensing activity. In 2025, companies signed cross-border out-licensing deals worth $135.7bn across 157 agreements. This was a big increase from $51.9bn across 94 deals in 2024. Industry officials said the rise shows growing international trust in China’s drug research and innovation.

Government representatives said China’s pharmaceutical exports are moving toward higher-end segments. Innovative drugs, advanced formulations, and high-performance medical devices are becoming the main focus of overseas sales.

China has also built new trade platforms to support cross-border medical business. In January, the China-ASEAN Regional Medical Products Trading Platform completed its first transaction for 2026. The deal, worth more than 10 million yuan, was signed between Qilu Pharmaceutical and a buyer in Thailand.

So far, the platform has attracted 224 Chinese drug companies. It has also received orders for more than 170 types of medicines and medical supplies from countries such as Vietnam, Mali, and Thailand.

Other regional platforms are also taking shape. A China–Central Asia medical trading platform was launched in Xinjiang in 2025. Another platform focused on Central and Eastern Europe is planned in Ningbo, Zhejiang province. These efforts aim to support China’s growing role in global healthcare trade.