A group of 19 European Union member states are urging the bloc to take "drastic steps" to reduce its reliance on China for pharmaceutical ingredients. This comes after the European Commission proposed a bill to overhaul its pharmaceutical industry, aiming to revive investment and reduce shortages of affordable drugs. However, Belgium, France, Spain, and Germany are concerned about global dependence on China for key ingredients, as less than five sites manufacture over 50% of the ingredients that meet European standards.
The group is advocating for a Critical Medicines Act to bolster Europe's security of supply for vital drug ingredients. In 2019, over 40% of Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) worldwide were sourced from China, and nearly all API producers rely on China for intermediate inputs. The countries behind the paper want to put a list of critical medicines in place, requiring more monitoring to prevent shortages. The list should begin with the medications that have frequently been in short supply.
The proposal also includes measures allowing EU member states to rely on each other in extreme cases where no alternative suppliers or medicines can be found. With health budgets being drained by the costs of treating COVID-19, this move is essential to ensure access to affordable drugs.
The push for Europe to reduce its reliance on Chinese imports of pharmaceutical ingredients comes as tensions between China and the EU continue to rise. In March, China imposed sanctions on several EU officials, including members of the European Parliament, who had criticized China's treatment of the Uighur Muslim minority. The EU has since imposed its sanctions on China, including measures against Chinese officials involved in the Uighur crackdown.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of domestic production of essential medical supplies, including pharmaceuticals. As countries race to secure their supplies, many have realized the risks of relying on a single supplier for critical goods. The European Union's move towards greater self-sufficiency in pharmaceuticals could serve as a blueprint for other countries seeking to reduce their dependence on China and other suppliers for essential goods.
