USA Pharmaceutical Import Export Data: Major HS Codes, Countries, Trade Values & Emerging Trends
- Oct 09, 2026
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USA Pharmaceutical Import Export Data: Major HS Codes, Countries, Trade Values & Emerging Trends
Pharmaceutical import and export activities are very important aspects of the trade activities conducted by the United States, which is the world’s largest importer of pharmaceuticals and the next biggest exporter.
The value of pharmaceutical imports of the US amounted to US$213.82 billion in 2025 according to US Trade Data, while the pharmaceutical exports equalled US$97.82 billion in the same year. This means that the US had a considerable pharmaceutical trade deficit of about US$116 billion.
The supply base for pharmaceutical products is concentrated in several countries of the world. The largest suppliers were Ireland (US$42.4 billion), Germany (US$26.1 billion), and Switzerland (US$19 billion) in 2025. India is another large supplier of generic and medical supplies. The imports consist of finished medicines, active pharmaceutical ingredients, vaccines, biologics, and specialty drugs. Additionally, pharmaceutical products are among the most valuable imports in the country. Exports of the product go to countries all over the world, and the largest market for US exports is China, with exports worth about US$9.1 billion.
USA Pharma Trade Overview of 2025
According to information from 2025, the United States holds a top position in the pharmaceutical trade across the globe. From US Import Data, one can see how significant this trade is. In 2025, pharmaceutical imports accounted for US$213.6 billion while pharmaceutical exports reached US$104.6 billion. Thus, the total amount of pharmaceuticals engaged in commerce between the US and other countries adds up to US$318.2 billion, which accounted for 6.9% of the total trade volume of the US. The position as a leader in the pharmaceutical sector shows that the country relies greatly on other countries as suppliers while also remaining an important supplier itself.
Germany is among the leading trading nations, with a trade volume of US$28.5 billion with the US, while medicinal products remain one of the main sources of drugs supplied in the country. In terms of the varieties of products, medicaments of HS code 30 constitute the biggest volume of trade in 2025.
Top 10 Pharmaceuticals Imported in USA in 2025
- HS 300600: Sterile Surgical Materials and Diagnostic Products, US$26.60 Billion
Sterile surgical substances, including diagnostic reagents and medical consumables, are in the top spot for the year 2025. The leading supplier in this sector is India, which renders its services to healthcare institutions such as hospitals, labs, clinics, and surgical centres all over the USA.
- HS 300650: First-Aid Boxes and Kits, US$25.51 Billion
The first-aid kits and boxes take the place of number two on the list, with these emergency and medical sets being used in houses as well as in workplaces and educational institutions, thus enjoying wide popularity among customers throughout the country.
- HS 300660: Hormone-Based Pharmaceutical Products, US$5.87 Billion
Hormonal products, which include contraceptives and related drugs, occupy the third position on the provided list, reported US Trade Statistics. The major supplier is India, while the demand is being supported by the women’s health and reproductive program in Belarus.
- HS 300691: Specialised Pharmaceutical Appliances, US$2.78 Billion
Specialised pharmaceutical devices such as ostomy supplies and other related medical products close the top four products on the above-mentioned list, which mainly accounts for long-term care of patients with chronic diseases, home healthcare, and hospital supply.
- HS 300490: Other Medicaments in Measured Doses, US$ 2.21 Billion
Medicines supplied in measured doses, which include all types of finished products in pill form, in gel form, or liquids such as injections, are important imported goods. The main suppliers are Ireland, Switzerland, India, and Germany.
- HS 300215: Immunological Products, US$ 1.72 Billion
Importing various immunological products, including monoclonal antibodies and other biologics, has become an important aspect of the business. These medicines are high-priced and are mainly employed in the treatment of cancer and autoimmune and rare diseases, as they are mainly shipped from various European countries, including Denmark.
- HS 300212: Antisera and Blood Fractions, US$ 1.54 Billion
The importance of importing antisera and other blood fractions, which include immunoglobulins and other plasma-based medicines, should also be noted. These medicines are very important for treating diseases of the immune system, and the transportation and shipping of these medicines is subject not only to proper temperature conditions but also to strict compliance with legal regulations.
- HS 300220: Vaccines for Human Medicine, US$ 1.20 Billion
The category of human vaccines includes medicines intended for childhood vaccination as well as for seasonal vaccination of adults. The most reliably traded variants are mainly popular for driving up the trade ranking of the country.
- HS 300431: Insulin-Containing Medicines, US$ 1.08 Billion
Medicines containing insulin, which are needed to treat diabetes, are very important imports in pharma and hospitals, as European manufacturers provide long-term solutions to meet consumer needs in the USA.
- HS 300390: Bulk Medicine, US$ 1 Billion
Bulk medicine is being imported for US producers to formulate, pack, and finish, connecting overseas producers with local manufacturing companies.
Top 10 Pharmaceuticals Exported From USA in 2025
- Biological Drugs (Code HS 3002): 32.8 Billion Dollars
Such biological preparations as monoclonal antibodies are among the major pharmaceutical exports from the USA. The shipments of the medicines take place in cold conditions and primarily go to the healthcare markets of Europe, Asia, and Canada.
- Vaccines and Immunological Medications (Code HS 300220): 17.6 Billion Dollars
Vaccines and immunological preparations supply hospitals and global vaccination programs, and the exports are backed by the capability of American production and high standards of quality, together with prompt delivery in cold logistics arrangements to Belgium and Germany.
- Oncology Drugs (Code HS 3004): 14.3 Billion Dollars
The cancer treatment pharmaceutical products are represented by medicines applying the approaches of targeted therapy and immunotherapy, reported US Export Data. The market shows stable demand for the goods coming from Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, and other countries with developed national cancer treatment programs.
- Cardiovascular Drugs (Code HS 3004): 10.8 Billion Dollars
The medications treating hypertension, cholesterol-related medical processes, and heart failure are being exported in the form of ready-to-use preparations and meet steady global demand from the aging society and increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases.
- Diabetes Medications (HS 3004): US$9.5 Billion’s worth of Diabetes Medicines
Insulin and GLP-1 treatments have been a factor in heightened exports in recent times due to shipments carried as far as Japan, China, Germany, and Canada.
- Antibiotics and Anti-Infective (HS 300420): US$7.6 Billion
Antivirals, antibiotics, and anti-infective medicines have consistently been one of the most sought-after products in terms of exports. These medicines are vital for ensuring that hospitals, pharmacies, and even public health organizations all over the world can treat any bacteria, virus, or fungus-based infection caused by pathogens effective deal with infections caused by pathogens.
- Generic Pharmaceutical Products (HS 300490): US$6.8 Billion
Generics, which cost less than their branded counterparts, are sold as tablets, capsules, and injectable medicines to countries that put emphasis on savings. This is a beneficial trading pattern that gives countries in Latin America and Europe access to medicines they need.
- Medicines Produced via the Treatment of Rare Diseases (HS 3004): US$5.4 Billion
Drugs used for the treatment of rare diseases are capable of generating millions of revenue because of how low their production costs are.
- Bulk Medicaments (HS 300390): US$ 3.89 Billion
Bulk medicaments are shipped without measured doses to overseas facilities to be combined with contract manufacturing firms and pharmaceutical companies.
- Pharmaceutical Preparations and Medical Articles (HS 3006): US$ 2.62 Billion
The final category consists of sterile materials for surgeries, diagnostic tests and various medical articles exported to facilities, laboratories and distributors wishing to rely on the high quality of American products.
Top 10 Importers: Leading U.S. Pharmaceutical Import Partners in 2025
Overall, the total U.S. pharmaceutical imports (HS 30) amounted to approximately US$213.82 billion in 2025.
1. Ireland - Ireland is one of the top pharmaceutical import partners of the United States because of the branded and patented medicines traded with the nation from multinational plants.
Major Companies: Pfizer, Lilly, and Amgen are based here because of the low corporate taxes and attractive R&D policies.
Products Imported: The majority of them are branded drugs and patented medicines offered by global companies.
Import Volume: US$42.4 billion.
2. Germany - Germany is the second-ranking nation of the top U.S. pharmaceutical importers, mainly because of the shipment of hormone medications and other medicines, which is facilitated by the strong industrial base.
Major Companies: Bayer AG and Merck KGaA
Items Imported: Medicines, including hormone medications.
Import Volume: US$26.1 billion.
3. Switzerland - Switzerland is responsible for exporting high-value branded drugs and biologics. The industry cluster known for innovation has been supporting the bilateral trade.
Major Companies: Roche and Novartis are among the biggest local players.
Items Imported: Branded drugs, including biologics.
Import Volume: US$19 billion.
4. India - India is a top trading authority of U.S. pharmaceuticals. The shipment of the affordable medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients are being led by Sun Pharma and Cipla.
Major Companies: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries and Cipla are the top companies of India
Items Imported: Generic medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Import Volume: US$15.3 billion.
5. Belgium - Belgium is the 5th top import partner of U.S. for its pharmaceuticals. The shipment of medicines and vaccines to America has maintained the ranking of the nation as a top import partner.
Major Companies: GSK Biologicals and UCB
Items Imported: Medicines and vaccines. It ranks among the top three in terms of imports coming through the sea.
Import Volume: US$12 billion.
6. France - France is responsible for effective supply of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and biological drugs. Companies like Sanofi, Servier, and Ipsen have been driving the strong and innovative specialty medicine sector.
Key Companies: Sanofi, Servier, and Ipsen are leading French pharmaceutical companies.
Items Imported: Pharmaceuticals, vaccines, specialty pharmaceuticals, and biological drugs.
Import Value: US$11.57 billion.
7. Singapore - Singapore is at the seventh position of U.S. pharmaceutical import partners. Pfizer, GSK, and Novartis are mainly responsible for production of biotechnology products, vaccines, and specialty drugs.
Key Companies: Pfizer, GSK, and Novartis have some of the biggest pharmaceutical manufacturing businesses in Singapore.
Items Imported: Biotechnology products, vaccines, specialty drugs, and pharmaceuticals.
Import Value: US$10.94 billion.
8. Italy - Italy is mainly exporting quality pharmaceuticals, specialty drugs, and health products. The overall trade is supported by the producers such as Chiesi Pharmaceuticals and Menarini.
Key Companies: ChiesiFarmaceutici, Recordati, and Menarini are some of the leading pharmaceutical companies in Italy.
Items Imported: pharmaceuticals, specialty drugs, and health products.
Import Value: US$10.58 billion.
9. Netherlands - Netherlands ranks at the top 9th import partner of USA. The shipping generics and branded medicines have been mainly responsible for operating alongside the efficient logistics
Key Companies: Organon, Janssen related companies and others have operations in Netherlands.
Items Imported: Pharmaceuticals, generic drugs, and drugs.
Import Value: US$9.47 billion.
10. Japan - The supplies of innovative medicines including cancer treatment and specialty drugs, has solidified Japan's position as the top tenth import partner of pharmaceuticals; led by research-driven companies Astellas Pharma and Daiichi Sankyo.
Key Companies: Takeda Pharmaceutical, Astellas Pharma, and Daiichi Sankyo are the largest Japanese pharmaceuticals companies.
Items Imported: new technology medicines, cancer medicines, specialty drugs.
Import Value: US$7.22 billion.
Top 10 Exporters: Leading U.S. Pharmaceutical Export Partners in 2025
1. Germany - Germany is the top export partner of U.S. pharmaceuticals mainly because of the biologics purchasing activity and specialty medications for the well-funded healthcare system.
Major Companies: Pfizer, Merck & Co., and Eli Lilly.
Exported Products: Biologics, patented drugs, specialty drugs, and pharmaceuticals
Export Volume: US$10.23 billion.
2. Netherlands - Netherlands sits at the second topmost position of U.S. pharmaceutical export partners because of the European distribution gateway and the vaccines and biologics traded for redistribution across the continent.
Major Companies: Pfizer, AbbVie, and Johnson & Johnson operate in the pharmaceutical market of the Netherlands.
Exported Products: Medicines, vaccines, biologics, and specialty pharmaceuticals
Export Volume: US$9.58 billion.
3. China - China is at the third position of the U.S. pharmaceutical export partners, backed by the biologics and specialty therapies, driven by the rising healthcare spending and demand for brand-name pharmaceuticals.
Major Companies: US pharmaceutical companies operating in China include Pfizer, Eli Lilly, and Amgen.
Exported Products: Innovative medicines, biologics, specialty therapies, and brand-name pharmaceuticals
Export Volume: US$9.10 billion.
4. Japan - Japan ranks 4th in the top export partners list of U.S. pharmaceuticals. The trade is supported by the aging population and the advanced healthcare system.
Major Companies: Pfizer, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Merck & Co. are examples of US pharmaceutical companies in Japan.
Exported Products: Drugs in the area of oncology, innovative therapies, biologics, and prescription medications
Export Volume: US$7.11 billion.
5. Canada - Canada is at the 5th position of the U.S. pharmaceutical export partners list. The overall trade of vaccines, biologics and specialty therapies has maintained the deep integrity for the cross-border supply chain.
Major Companies: AbbVie, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson in the pharmaceuticals market of Canada.
Exported Products: Prescription medications, vaccines, biologics, and specialty therapies
Export Volume: US$6.97 billion.
6. Belgium - Belgium is a major European hub mainly because of the pharmaceutical logistics receiving U.S. biologics, vaccines and specialist medications.
Major Companies: Pfizer, Amgen, and Eli Lilly are companies with pharmaceutical companies and supply chain operations in Belgium.
Products Exported: Biologics, vaccines, specialist medications, pharmaceutical preparations.
Export Value: US$6.73 billion.
7. Spain - Spain is responsible for purchasing of U.S. prescription drugs, biologics and specialist medications. The country sits at the 7th topmost position of U.S. pharma export partners because of its public healthcare system and the growing pharmaceutical market.
Major Companies: Pfizer, Merck & Co., and AbbVie are companies with operations serving Spain’s pharmaceutical market.
Products Exported: Prescription drugs, biologics, specialist medications, and other pharmaceutical products.
Export Value: US$5.60 billion.
8. Ireland - Ireland is the top eighth export partner of pharmaceuticals for the United States because of the overall trade of branded and patented medicines. The biologics and specialist pharmaceuticals have been supporting the large manufacturing operations along with the drug makers based there.
Major Companies: Pfizer, Eli Lilly, and Amgen have significant pharmaceutical operations based in Ireland.
Products Exported: Branded medications, biologics, patented medications, and specialist pharmaceuticals.
Export Value: US$5.41 billion.
9. United Kingdom - United Kingdom is the top 9th export partner of U.S. The overall trade of vaccines and biologics, supported by the close commercial ties, has maintained the bilateral ranking of the region.
Major Companies: Pfizer, Merck & Co., and Bristol Myers Squibb.
Products Exported: Specialty medicines, vaccines, biologics, prescription medicine.
Export Value: US$3.60 billion.
10. Brazil - Wrapping up the list of the topmost export partners of U.S. pharmaceuticals, Brazil is the top 10th one. The country is the largest pharmaceutical market for U.S. exports in Latin America. The purchasing of prescription medicines and specialty drugs has rooted its ranking as the top trade partner.
Major Companies: Pfizer, Eli Lilly, and AbbVie have businesses working within the Brazilian marketplace.
Products Exported: Prescription medicines, vaccines, specialty medicines, and pharmaceutical preparations.
Export Value: US$3.48 billion.
Past 10 Years Trade Analysis of US Pharma Trade
According to the US Customs Data, U.S. pharmaceutical trade has been steadily increasing over the last decade. Total trade (which is the sum of both imports and exports) rose from $173 B in 2016 to $337 billion in 2024, almost doubling in the eight-year period. However, in 2025 it went down to $318 billion, marking the first recorded fall in trade in this period.
It is imports that have driven this advancement. Import figures, which stood at $110 billion in 2016, grew to $214 billion in 2025, achieving the record figures despite a fall in total trade values. They went up from $63 billion in 2016 to the peak of $131 billion in 2024, falling to $105 billion in 2025. An export loss of about $26 billion explains a downturn in total trade figures as imports kept growing. Generally, it can be seen that imports were increasing at a much faster rate than exports.
Reasons for High U.S. Imports
Internationally Recognized Production Centres: Producers of biologics and brand-name drugs such as Ireland, Switzerland, and Germany send goods to the U.S, says US Import Export Data.
Generics Availability: Generic drugs and supplies from India and other low-cost countries keep U.S. healthcare affordable.
Increasing Demand for Healthcare: An aging population together with the growing burden of chronic disease keeps the demand high.
Medical Supplies: Surgical materials, diagnostic tools, as well as first-aid kits constitute a large share of the imports.
Relevant Trends in Pharmaceutical Trade in the U.S.
1. The expansion of drug distribution of biologics and specialty medicines
Products such as monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and other immunology products have become some of the most valuable items for exportation and importation.
2. The increased need for procurement of diabetes medicines and obesity treatments
Insulin and GLP-1 medications are some of the fastest-growing product segments and are shipped to places like China, Japan, Germany, and Canada.
3. Use of cold chain logistics
Since many expensive medicines require cold storage, reliable cold chain transportation is important for pharmaceutical trading.
4. Diversification of sourcing
Companies and politicians are considering the option of not relying on one country only and are diversifying suppliers.
5. Changes in trade policies and tariffs
Changes in trade policy have determined the locations where companies make procurements, manufacture, and ship products.
Future Outlook
The demand for medication will continue to increase given the fact that the population is aging and there are increasing numbers of people suffering from chronic diseases. Imports are likely to remain strong, whereas exports of vaccines, biologics, and oncology drugs will have the potential to recover after the slump in 2025. Companies paying particular attention to trade metrics will be able to control demand shifts and also make plans in line with the changes happening with policies and suppliers.
Conclusion
The future of the U.S. Pharmaceutical Trade can be characterized as a period of growth, dependence, and opportunities. The total volume of trade has nearly doubled in the last ten years; imports have reached new heights, with countries such as Switzerland, Germany, Ireland, and India being key players in this process. The sharp decrease in exports expected for 2025 shows that the market is subject to rapid changes, and the best way to keep track of the market dynamics is to analyse import-export data thoroughly.
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FAQ’s
Que. What is the top pharma product exported from the USA in 2025?
Ans. The top pharma product exported from the USA in 2025 is Biological Drugs.
Que. What is the top pharma product imported from the USA in 2025?
Ans. The top pharma product imported from the USA in 2025 is Sterile Surgical Materials and Diagnostic Products.
Que. Who is the top trade partner of the USA for Pharma products in 2025?
Ans. The top trade partner of the USA for Pharma products in 2025 is Ireland.
Que. What is the latest trend in the pharmaceutical trade of the US?
Ans. The expansion of drug distribution of biologics and specialty medicines is the latest trend in the pharmaceutical trade of the US.
Que. What is the global trade rank of the USA in 2025?
Ans. The global trade rank of the USA in 2025 is 2nd.
Que. What is the total US pharma trade in 2025?
Ans. The total US pharma trade in 2025 is US$318 billion.
Que. How does US import-export data support business growth?
Ans. The US’s import-export data support business growth via proper identification of buyers, suppliers, analysis of market demand, and development of effective market expansion strategies.
Que. What information is available in US trade data?
Ans. US trade data covers importer name, exporter name, shipment date, HS code, product details, quantity, pricing information, origin country, importing country, and port details.
Que. How frequently is the US trade data updated?
Ans. US trade data is updated on a monthly basis.
Que. Where can you obtain detailed information on US trade data?
Ans. Visit www.importglobals.com or drop an email at info@importglobals.com for detailed updates on US trade data.
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