During the first seven months of 2023, Russia’s imports of pharmaceutical products from Brazil more than doubled, a trend noted by DEA News with reference to the Brazilian Statistics Service. The surge underscores shifting trade patterns in the global pharma market and the impact of sanctions on supply chains.
In monetary terms, Russia purchased $3.8 million worth of medicines, up from $1.7 million in the previous year. In terms of physical volume, the increase reached 93 percent compared with the same period in 2021. The reporting agency notes that the overall indicator nears its historical high, last seen in 2010, signaling sustained demand and a broader recovery in import activity.
Most of the shipments consisted of insulin products supplied by the Danish company Novo Nordisk, which has established localized production facilities in Brazil. Notable brands include Fiasp, Protaphane, and Actrapid, all prominent in the management of diabetes. The import mix also encompassed a range of other pharmaceuticals, as well as oral care items and essential oils, illustrating a diversified set of Brazilian-origin goods moving into Russia’s market.
Analysts from RNC Pharma, led by Development Director Nikolai Bespalov, attribute the pronounced rise in purchases to Russia’s substitution policy amid sanctions and constrained logistics. While many imported medications have domestic analogues, several modern insulin formulations remain unavailable as locally produced equivalents, driving continued reliance on foreign supplies.
In early September, Russian pharmacies began producing specialized medicines tailored for patients with specific therapeutic needs, reflecting an emphasis on patient-centered care and access to essential treatments within the country.
Meanwhile, discussions in the State Duma previously touched on legislation concerning free drug programs for Russian residents, signaling ongoing policy attention to improving affordability and access to critical medications in the domestic market.