The European Union's Pharmaceutical Trade in the Era of Globalization: Developments, Partners, and Strategic Directions
Abstract
This study analyzes the evolution of European Union trade in pharmaceutical and medical products between 2014 and 2024, in a global context marked by economic, technological, and geopolitical transformations. The research uses official Eurostat data and descriptive analyses of total, extra-EU, and bilateral trade flows with key partners, complemented by a contextual interpretation of the structural factors influencing the sector. The results highlight the significant increase in exports, the consolidation of the trade balance, and the strategic role of the US and Switzerland in the EU's global pharmaceutical network, alongside the emerging dynamic Asian markets. The study adds a new perspective by integrating trade insights with contemporary discussions on strategic autonomy, supply chain resilience, and the geopolitical reconfiguration of the industry, providing a coherent picture of the EU's position in the global health economy.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy
Global trade and economics
Global Political and Economic Relations
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Ovidius University Annals Economic Sciences Series
- Volume
- 25
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 177–185
- Publication date
- 10 February 2026
- Language
- EN