The United States primarily obtains its pharmaceutical drugs from China, which accounted for the largest share of pharmaceutical imports by quantity in 2021.
The U.S. imports a substantial volume of pharmaceutical drugs from various global sources. In 2021, data on pharmaceutical imports indicates that China was the leading country of origin, providing over 190 million kilograms of pharmaceutical products. This significant contribution highlights China's crucial role in the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain. Other major contributors include Mexico, India, and Canada, which collectively supply hundreds of millions of kilograms of drugs to the U.S. market.
Leading Sources of U.S. Pharmaceutical Imports (2021)
The following table details the primary countries from which the U.S. imported pharmaceutical drugs in 2021, based on quantity and their respective percentage of the total imported volume:
| Country of Origin | Quantity (kilograms) | Percent of Total |
|---|---|---|
| China | 190,925,360 | 23.6% |
| Mexico | 149,587,712 | 18.5% |
| India | 117,611,862 | 14.5% |
| Canada | 71,296,029 | 8.8% |
This breakdown illustrates the reliance of the U.S. on international partners for its pharmaceutical needs, with China leading by a notable margin in terms of the sheer volume of drugs imported. Understanding these key sourcing nations is vital for assessing the global nature of drug manufacturing and distribution.
