Russia Pharmaceutical Imports | List of Pharmaceutical Import Companies in Russia

In recent years, Russia has witnessed a significant increase in the demand for pharmaceutical products. This has led to a growing need for importing high-quality medications from top pharmaceutical import companies around the world, including the Russian pharmaceutical market. According to the Russia import data and customs report on Russia pharmaceutical import data, Russia imported pharmaceuticals worth $12.50 billion in 2024, an increase of 4% from the previous year. There are around 9,077 pharmaceutical importers in Russia as per the Russia customs data. In this article, we will take a look at the current state of pharmaceutical imports in Russia and provide a list of pharmaceutical importer companies operating in the country.

Overview of Pharmaceutical Imports in Russia

Russia is one of the largest pharmaceutical markets in the world, with a growing demand for imported drugs. According to recent reports, around the world, countries import pharmaceutical products in huge numbers now, and Russia is not far behind. It has been steadily increasing over the past few years. This can be attributed to several factors, including the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, an aging population, and an increase in disposable income. The Russian government has also been taking steps to improve access to healthcare and pharmaceutical products, which has further fueled the demand for imported drugs. As a result, many international pharmaceutical companies are now looking to expand their operations in Russia and establish partnerships with local importers.

Top 10 Pharmaceutical Importers in Russia: Russia Pharmaceutical Importers Database

Here is a list of the leading pharmaceutical importers in Russia, as per the Russian pharmaceutical companies list​ and the Russian pharmaceutical importers database for 2024:

Russia Pharmaceutical Imports by Country: Where does Russia Import Pharmaceuticals from?

Russia imports pharmaceuticals from various countries around the world to meet the demand for healthcare products within the nation. Some of the key countries that supply pharmaceuticals to Russia include Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, and India. These countries are known for their advanced pharmaceutical industries and high-quality products, allowing Russia to source a wide range of medications and medical supplies. The top 10 Russia import partners for pharmaceutical imports, as per Russia shipment data and pharmaceutical shipment data on Russia imports by country for 2024, include:

1. Germany - $2.46 billion (20.8%)

Germany emerged as the leading country from which Russia imported pharmaceutical products in 2024, with a total value of $2.46 billion, representing 20.8% of total pharmaceutical imports, as per the customs data on Russia pharmaceutical imports from Germany. The pharmaceutical industry in Germany is known for its high-quality products and advanced research and development processes.

2. Switzerland - $1.87 billion (15.8%)

Switzerland secured the second position on the list, with pharmaceutical imports worth $1.87 billion, accounting for 15.8% of Russia's total imports in the sector. Switzerland is renowned for its cutting-edge pharmaceutical technology and innovation, making it a preferred choice for Russia's pharmaceutical needs.

3. Belgium - $1.18 billion (10%)

Belgium ranked third in terms of pharmaceutical imports by Russia, with a total value of $1.18 billion, making up 10.0% of the total imports. The pharmaceutical industry in Belgium is known for its efficiency and strict quality control measures, ensuring the delivery of safe and effective medications.

4. Netherlands - $711 million (6%)

The Netherlands secured the fourth spot on the list, with Russia importing pharmaceutical products worth $711 million from the country, representing 6.0% of total pharmaceutical imports. The Netherlands is a hub for pharmaceutical research and development, offering a wide range of products to meet Russia's healthcare demands.

5. Slovenia - $657 million (5.6%)

Slovenia emerged as another significant contributor to Russia's pharmaceutical imports, with a total value of $657 million, accounting for 5.6% of the total imports. Slovenia's pharmaceutical industry is known for its focus on innovation and sustainability, providing Russia with access to diverse pharmaceutical products.

6. USA - $462 million (3.9%)

The United States held the sixth position on the list, with pharmaceutical imports amounting to $462 million, representing 3.9% of Russia's total imports, as per the data on Russia pharmaceutical imports from the US. The USA is a global leader in pharmaceutical research and development, offering advanced medications and healthcare solutions to meet Russia's evolving needs.

7. Italy - $397 million (3.4%)

Italy featured as a key player in Russia's pharmaceutical imports, with a total value of $397 million, making up 3.4% of the total imports. Italy's pharmaceutical industry is known for its focus on traditional medicine and cutting-edge technology, providing Russia with a diverse range of pharmaceutical options.

8. France - $371 million (3.1%)

France secured the eighth spot on the list, with pharmaceutical imports worth $371 million, accounting for 3.1% of Russia's total imports. France is renowned for its pharmaceutical innovation and commitment to research and development, ensuring the delivery of high-quality medications to the Russian market.

9. Ireland - $317 million (2.7%)

Ireland emerged as another important source of pharmaceutical imports for Russia, with a total value of $317 million, representing 2.7% of the total imports. Ireland's pharmaceutical industry is characterized by its strong regulatory framework and emphasis on quality assurance, meeting Russia's healthcare needs effectively.

10. India - $217 million (1.8%)

India completed the list of top 10 countries from which Russia imported pharmaceuticals in 2024, with a total value of $217 million, making up 1.8% of the total imports. India's pharmaceutical industry is known for its cost-effective medications and diverse product portfolio, catering to a wide range of healthcare requirements in Russia.

Russia Pharmaceutical Imports in the Last 10 Years: Historical Russia Import Data

Top Pharmaceutical Products Imported by Russia (2024)

Russia's pharmaceutical imports by HS Code reflect the country's significant imports of pharmaceutical products. This category encompasses a wide range of pharmaceutical items, from medications to vaccines. The top 10 pharmaceutical products imported by Russia under HS code 30, as per the customs report on Russia import data by HS code for 2024, include: 

Reasons for Pharmaceutical Imports in Russia

There are various reasons why Russia heavily relies on pharmaceutical imports:

• Limited Domestic Production: Despite advancements in the pharmaceutical industry, Russia still faces challenges in producing a wide range of medications domestically. As a result, the country needs to import pharmaceutical products to meet the demands of its population.
• Quality Assurance: Russian consumers are increasingly looking for high-quality pharmaceutical products that meet international standards. Importing medications from reputable companies ensures that the products are safe and effective for consumption.
• Innovative Medications: To keep up with the advancements in the global pharmaceutical market, Russia imports innovative medications that may not be available in the domestic market. This allows patients to access cutting-edge treatments for various health conditions.

Russia Pharmaceutical Import Trends

• Total Pharmaceutical Imports: In 2023-24, Russia imported approximately 1.8 billion packages of medicines, a 1.5% increase compared to 2022.
• Top Importing Countries:
• India: 293.9 million packages (+3% YoY)
• Germany: 238.7 million packages (−20%)
• France: 149.3 million packages (+7.6%)
• Hungary: 112.5 million packages (+11.6%)
• Belarus: 109.8 million packages (+6.9%)
• New Entrants: UAE (35.7k packages), Armenia (1.6k), Cuba (1.5k)
• API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) Import Dependency:
• Approximately 70–75% of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are imported.
• China supplies over 50% of imported APIs, Europe 29%, and India 17%. ​

Russia Pharmaceutical Import Pricing Trends

• Price Increases (2024):
• Vital and Essential Drugs (VED): +3.3%
• Non-VED Drugs: +4.1%
• March 2024 Specifics:
• VED Drugs: +0.9%
• Non-VED Drugs: +1.1% 

Shipment & Importer Trends

• Top Pharmaceutical Importers in Russia by Shipments (Mar 2023–Feb 2024):
• LLC MERK LIF SINS: 11,641 shipments
• LLC SAINES: 8,776 shipments
• LLC RUSMED: 8,177 shipments

Challenges Faced by Pharmaceutical Import Companies in Russia

While importing pharmaceutical products to Russia offers various opportunities, companies also encounter certain challenges:

• Regulatory Hurdles: Russia has stringent regulations governing the import of pharmaceutical products. Companies need to navigate complex registration processes and comply with strict quality control measures to enter the market.
• Logistical Issues: Importing medications to Russia involves logistical challenges, such as customs clearance, transportation, and storage. Companies need to ensure the timely delivery of products while maintaining the integrity of the medications.
• Competition: The pharmaceutical market in Russia is highly competitive, with numerous import companies vying for market share. Companies need to differentiate themselves through product quality, pricing, and marketing strategies to succeed in the market.

Final Outlook

The Russian pharmaceutical import landscape is undergoing significant changes, with a notable shift towards suppliers from India and other non-Western countries. While domestic production is increasing, the heavy reliance on imported APIs and equipment presents ongoing challenges. Efforts towards import substitution are underway but will require substantial investment and time to achieve a significant impact.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pharmaceutical imports play a crucial role in meeting the healthcare needs of the Russian population. By partnering with top pharmaceutical import companies, Russia can access high-quality medications, innovative treatments, and a diverse range of pharmaceutical products. Despite the challenges faced by import companies, the demand for imported medications in Russia is likely to continue growing in the coming years.

We hope that you liked our interactive blog report on Russia Pharmaceutical imports 2024-25. Visit TradeImeX to get the latest market trends and exclusive insights on Russia import-export data. Contact us at info@tradeimex.in to get a customized data report and a list of top pharmaceutical importers in Russia.