BERLIN (DPA, CONVERSEER) – Germany is increasingly reliant on China for key pharmaceutical ingredients, raising the risk of supply disruptions that Beijing could exploit for political leverage, according to a new report by the German generics association Pro Generika.
The lobby group’s report, released on Monday, warns that China could use its dominant position in pharmaceutical raw materials much like it has wielded export controls on rare earths during trade disputes with the United States.
An interruption in deliveries of active ingredients for generic medicines would create major shortages in Germany’s drug supply, the group said.
Pro Generika said researchers examined 56 active substances officially classified as critical for health care.
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The results showed that for 20 of those substances – more than one-third – Chinese producers hold such a large market share that a supply halt would endanger availability. Antibiotics, diabetes drugs and pain medications would be most affected.
The report was prepared by experts from the German Economic Institute (IW) and the European Union Institute for Security Studies. Pro Generika represents the interests of generic drug producers, whose lower-cost versions of off-patent medicines play a key role in Germany’s health care system.
