Pharma Turns to Home Remedy as Tariff Pain Looms

When the world reeled under President Trump's reciprocal tariff announcement on 3 April, the Indian pharmaceutical industry was relieved as it escaped the initial round of sweeping levies.

- Abhinaba Saha

Then Trump threatened that pharma won't be spared either, renewing anxiety. Still, one corner of the sector offers hope.

Companies focusing on the Indian pharmaceutical market are likely to offer a hedge against the ongoing tariff woes even though the fate of the broader sector remains uncertain, according to analysts.

Shares of India-focused Mankind Pharma Ltd, Alkem Laboratories Ltd, Abbott India Ltd and JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd have fallen only 3-5% since the reciprocal tariffs were announced. With only 10% revenue exposure to the US, Torrent Pharmaceuticals has fallen around 4%.

By comparison, Aurobindo Pharma Ltd, Divi's Laboratories Ltd, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd and Granules India Ltd have each tumbled around 6-10% in the last five trading sessions. US accounts for 30-50% of their revenue.

"As growth in the US generics business plateaus because of weaker demand and stiffer competition, Indian pharma companies have been increasingly tapping the domestic market for branded medicines and health products, which has plenty of room to grow," said Prashant Nair, lead pharma and healthcare analyst at Ambit Capital. Even without tariffs, "it would be better (for investors) to be India-focused as US generics is a very cyclical business and valuations of those stocks are not cheap."