EU dependence on the Chinese pharmaceuticals market
1.9.2020
Question for written answer E-004734/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
Stefania Zambelli (ID), Mara Bizzotto (ID), Simona Baldassarre (ID), Rosanna Conte (ID), Anna Bonfrisco (ID), Gianantonio Da Re (ID)
China has been the world’s largest producer of pharmaceutical ingredients since the start of the millennium, and it now produces 60% of all intermediates, which are the essential building-blocks for the active ingredients used in medicines.
Although both the European Fine Chemicals Group and Aschimfarma, through its Vice-President Baccalini, have shown that Europe can cover 90% of the production and technology requirements for the 350 pharmaceuticals tested, it is home to just one laboratory covering all the stages in the production of life-saving antibiotics such as penicillin.
The EU is 85-90 % dependent on the Chinese market for all ingredients and 33% dependent on it for active ingredients.
Besides this, the recent pandemic has exposed significant shortfalls in supply.
The data presented to the Commission by the Chemical Pharmaceutical Generic Association in mid-September will provide a useful tool with which to develop a European strategy for correcting the current imbalance.
In view of the above, can the Commission state:
- 1.What the timescale will be for developing and implementing a strategy in this field?
- 2.Whether one of the aims of that strategy will be to eliminate or significantly reduce Europe’s current dependence on China for pharmaceuticals? What tools will be used to do this?