‘ Industry must shift to R&D, Biosimilars as tariff hit generic pharma trade’

Balagopal Balachandran, National Head – Air Freight, FEI Cargo said, “India’s USD 27 billion pharma exports, commanding a 20 per cent global generic share, now face tariff headwinds that threaten hard-won competitiveness. Overseas facilities may bypass tariffs but demand 25–30 per cent higher CAPEX, squeezing mid-sized firms, while only large players can absorb the shock. The real opportunity lies beyond firefighting through tariff diplomacy, market diversification, and a decisive pivot to R&D driven formulations and biosimilars. This not only cuts tariff exposure but positions India as a resilient, innovation led pharma hub shaping global healthcare.”