API China focuses on innovation & global co-operation

In recent years, the scale of China's pharmaceutical active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and its global market share have gradually increased. The China API market is experiencing significant growth, driven by expanding global pharmaceutical demand, an aging population, rising chronic disease rates, and the expiration of patents boosting demand for generics.

- Our Bureau, Mumbai

China stands as a colossus in the APIs landscape, accounting for approximately 40 per cent of the global market share, particularly dominating sectors like antibiotics and vitamins.

Even as leading domestic companies, such as Suzhou Biopharmaceuticals and BGI, are expanding market share through technological advancements, global giants like Pfizer and Novartis consolidate their positions via partnerships or acquisitions. Biotech firms are also emerging in the bio-API sector through innovative R&D.

The Chinese government is actively implementing initiatives to boost the API sector. Key policies encourage industry consolidation and strict regulatory compliance, fostering a more efficient and competitive market environment. The government is promoting centralized procurement to drive down costs and enhance efficiency, which also incentivizes enterprises to invest more in R&D to remain competitive.

API China expo

Even as the country's API sector is now undergoing a significant transformation marked by technological innovation, supply chain integration, and global expansion, the 93rd edition of API China which is being held from November 12 to 14 2025, in Chongqing, offers a renewed platform for industry players to stay ahead of evolving trends, explore new opportunities, and shape the future of pharmaceutical and health innovation.

API China, the country's leading exhibition for the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries, serves as a trusted platform for sourcing, innovation, and partnership. It brings together the full spectrum of the pharma, health, and nutrition ecosystem—from APIs, intermediates, and excipients to formulations, packaging, manufacturing equipment, CDMO services, and biotech solutions.

Organised by Reed Sinopharm Exhibitions, API China connects global professionals with China's dynamic life sciences market through high-level exhibitions, forums, and strategic exchange.