Will Indian Pharma Revenue See a 7-9% Growth This Fiscal?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Projected growth: 7-9% in the current fiscal year.
- Operating profitability: Expected to stay at 22-23%.
- Domestic revenue: Anticipated increase driven by price hikes and product launches.
- Export dynamics: 59% of formulation exports target regulated markets.
- Government support: GST cuts on essential medications.
New Delhi, Sep 24 (NationPress) The forecast for India’s pharmaceutical sector indicates a revenue increase of 7-9 percent for the ongoing fiscal year. Operating profitability is anticipated to hold steady at approximately 22-23 percent, accompanied by robust credit metrics, according to a report released on Wednesday.
Last fiscal year, the industry experienced a 10 percent growth. The stable input costs and a focus on new product launches are expected to balance out the rising compliance costs and the decline in exports of high-margin products to regulated markets, as noted in the report by Crisil Intelligence.
Additionally, the domestic revenue is projected to grow by 7-9 percent, spurred by increased realizations from annual price hikes and higher volumes due to innovative product launches.
The findings indicate that revenue is nearly evenly split between domestic sales and exports, with formulations representing about 83 percent of exports, while bulk drugs account for the remainder.
The research firm highlighted that 59 percent of formulation exports are directed towards regulated markets, with the United States being the top destination.
“Exports of formulations to regulated markets are expected to grow by 9-11 percent this fiscal, a deceleration from 14 percent over the past two years, primarily due to a high base,” stated Aniket Dani, Director at Crisil Intelligence.
New product introductions and existing drug shortages in the US are projected to further enhance exports. However, growth in semi-regulated markets is anticipated to be slower, around 5-7 percent, influenced by significant currency depreciation in various countries and ongoing quality concerns, he added.
Crisil Ratings Director Aditya Jhaver remarked that the replacement risk for Indian generics in the US is low, given the limited manufacturing capacities within the country. India continues to supply over 40 percent of generic prescriptions.
The government’s recent implementation of GST cuts exempted lifesaving and cancer medications, along with reducing rates on numerous other drugs from 12 percent to 5 percent. These amendments are likely to render essential therapies more affordable.