The global pharmaceutical market has experienced significant growth in recent years. For 2024, the total global pharmaceutical market was estimated at around *** trillion U.S. dollars. This is an increase of roughly *** billion dollars compared to 2023. Global pharmaceutical markets Globally, the United States is by far the leading market for pharmaceuticals, followed by other developed countries and emerging markets. Emerging markets can include middle and low-income countries such as Brazil, India, Russia, Colombia and Egypt, to name a few. Despite increasing revenues globally, the Latin American region accounts for the lowest share of the global pharmaceutical market’s revenues. Top pharmaceuticals globally The top pharmaceutical products sold globally include Humira, Eliquis and Revlimid. Oncology is the op therapeutic area for drug sales globally, and it is expected to show the largest growth over the next years. It is followed by drug spending for autoimmune diseases and diabetes. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Comirnaty was the world's top revenue generating pharmaceutical product.

In 2020, the global pharmaceutical logistics market was worth over **** billion euros. By 2025, influenced by further responses to the coronavirus pandemic, the return to medical services, the aging population, and the rise of non-contagious diseases, the pharmaceutical logistics market will increase to over ** billion euros in size.

This statistic describes the global pharmaceutical sales in from 2020 to 2024, sorted by regional submarkets. For 2024, total pharmaceutical sales in the United States was estimated to reach around *** billion U.S. dollars. World pharmaceutical sales by regionThe pharmaceutical industry is best known for manufacturing pharmaceutical drugs which aim to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent diseases. The pharmaceutical sector represents a huge industry, with the global market being worth around *** trillion U.S. dollars. Among the best known top global pharmaceutical companies are Pfizer, Merck and Johnson & Johnson from the U.S., Novartis and Roche from Switzerland, Sanofi from France, etc. Accordingly, North America and Europe are still among the largest global submarkets for pharmaceuticals. In 2024, the United States was still the largest single pharmaceutical market, generating more than *** billion U.S. dollars of revenue. Europe was responsible for generating around *** billion U.S. dollars. These two markets, together with Japan, Canada and Australia, form the so-called established (or developed) markets. The rest of the global pharmaceutical revenue is mainly from emerging markets, which include countries like China, Russia, Brazil and India. In fact, these emerging markets show the fastest increase in pharmaceutical sales. Latin America is the world region with the highest predicted compound annual growth rate until 2028.

The Business Research Company offers pharmaceuticals market research report 2022 with industry size, share, segments and market growth

Pharmaceuticals Market size was valued at USD 1,550.84 Billion in 2023 and is poised to grow from USD 1,645.75 Billion in 2024 to USD 2,646.93 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.12% in the forecast period (2025-2032).

Global Pharmaceutical Drugs market size is expected to reach $2384.53 billion by 2029 at 6.3%, segmented as by type, cardiovascular drugs, dermatology drugs, gastrointestinal drugs, genito-urinary drugs, hematology drugs, anti-infective drugs

Pharmaceutical Packaging Market size was valued at USD 135.46 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 237.18 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 8.00 % from 2024 to 2031.

Key Market Drivers Increase in Pharmaceutical Expenditures: The rise in worldwide healthcare expenditure is a major driver of the pharmaceutical packaging business. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that worldwide health spending will reach $8.3 trillion in 2020, accounting for 10% of global GDP. This growth in spending corresponds to increased demand for medications, creating a greater need for efficient packaging solutions that ensure product safety and efficacy. Growth in Biopharmaceuticals: The biopharmaceutical industry is rapidly growing, demanding innovative packaging solutions. The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) reported that the biopharmaceutical sector accounted for 38% of the entire pharmaceutical market in 2020, with biologics advances expected to drive growth. Biopharmaceuticals frequently require specialized packaging to preserve stability and integrity, which fuels demand in the Pharmaceutical Packaging Market. Regulatory Requirements and Safety Concerns: Stringent laws governing medicine safety and packaging are pushing innovation in pharmaceutical packaging. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced rules requiring tamper-evident packaging for over-the-counter medications, indicating a rising emphasis on consumer safety. According to the FDA, inappropriate packaging has been related to adverse occurrences, making regulatory compliance a vital consideration for pharmaceutical companies, driving up demand for innovative packaging solutions.

The global pharmaceutical vials market is expected to be valued at US$ 12,137.2 million in 2023 and reach a valuation of US$ 24,099.7 million by 2033. The demand for pharmaceutical vials is estimated to grow at a steady 7.10% CAGR, with the United Kingdom, the USA, China, and India emerging as key producers.

2016 to 2020 Pharmaceutical Vials Market Outlook in Comparison to 2023 to 2033 Forecasts

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Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Size 2025-2029

The pharmaceutical packaging market size is forecast to increase by USD 81.09 billion at a CAGR of 10.1% between 2024 and 2029.

The pharmaceutical packaging market is poised for transformative growth, projected to expand by USD 81.09 billion from 2024 to 2029, achieving a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.1%. The market is driven by soaring research and development (R&D) investments, the rise of biopharmaceuticals, and a global push for sustainable solutions. The market is experiencing significant growth due to the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and the increasing demand for advanced drug delivery devices. From Amcor's recyclable blister packs to Gerresheimer's cutting-edge pre-filled syringes, innovative packaging is safeguarding drug efficacy and patient safety across the US, China, and Europe. This comprehensive analysis dives into the drivers, segments, trends, challenges, and recent developments shaping the pharmaceutical packaging market, offering stakeholders a roadmap to thrive in this vital sector. Poverty and financial constraints continue to influence the market, with an emphasis on cost-effective packaging solutions such as glass bottles and non-prescription drugs.

What will be the Size of the Pharmaceutical Packaging Market during the forecast period?

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Key Drivers of the Pharmaceutical Packaging Market

A confluence of powerful forces is propelling the pharmaceutical packaging market forward, cementing its role as a cornerstone of global healthcare:

Escalating R&D Investments: Pharmaceutical giants like Pfizer, Sanofi, and Johnson & Johnson are pouring billions into R&D, with global spending reaching USD 96 billion in 2023. This surge fuels demand for advanced packaging, such as pre-filled syringes and tamper-evident blister packs, to protect novel drugs.
Biopharmaceutical Boom: The rise of biologics, which require sterile, temperature-controlled packaging, is driving growth in North America and Europe. Companies like Becton Dickinson are expanding syringe production to meet this demand.
Sustainability Imperatives: Regulatory mandates, such as the European Commission's 2027 tamper-evident packaging rules, are pushing companies like Amcor and WestRock to innovate with recyclable and biodegradable materials.
Chronic Disease Prevalence: Rising cases of diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases in APAC (e.g., China, India) are increasing demand for oral drug packaging, including rigid plastic bottles and blister packs.
Regulatory Compliance: Stringent standards from the FDA and EU's Poison Prevention Packaging Act are driving adoption of child-resistant closures and track-and-trace technologies like RFID and serialization.

Case Study: Amcor's Recyclable Blister Packs

In 2020, Amcor launched its AmSky Blister System, a fully recyclable blister pack that reduced carbon emissions by 64%. Adopted by US and European pharmacies, this innovation has set a new standard for sustainable pharmaceutical packaging, boosting Amcor's market share and consumer trust.

Market Segmentation: A Detailed Breakdown

The pharmaceutical packaging industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Material

  Rigid plastic
  Flexible plastic
  Glass
  Others


Product

  Plastic bottles
  Caps and closures
  Blister packs
  Pre-fillable syringes
  Others


Route Of Administration

  Oral drugs
  Injectables
  Topical
  Nasal
  Others


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    Spain
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  Rest of World (ROW)

The pharmaceutical packaging market is diverse, with key segments driving its growth trajectory. Here's a granular analysis based on 2025 data and forecasts through 2029:

By Material

Rigid Plastic: Rigid plastics, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene, are widely used for bottles and containers due to their durability and cost-effectiveness. They are favored in the US for oral drug packaging, ensuring tamper resistance and extended shelf life. Their lightweight nature reduces transportation costs, making them popular in Asia-Pacific. Advances in barrier technologies enhance their suitability for sensitive drugs. Rigid plastics are also increasingly recyclable, aligning with sustainability goals in Europe.
Flexible Plastic: Flexible plastics, including polyethylene and PVC, are used in blister packs and pouches for their versatility and cost efficiency. They are prevalent in India for oral medications, offering portability and ease of use. Their ability to conform to various shapes supports innovative packaging design

Global Pharmaceutical Grade Dexlansoprazole is segmented by Application (Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, Research, Manufacturing, Education), Type (APIs, Formulations, Packaging Solutions, Quality Control Equipment, Safety Equipment) and Geography(North America, LATAM, West Europe, Central & Eastern Europe, Northern Europe, Southern Europe, East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, Oceania, MEA)

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Market outlook of the global pharmaceutical packaging equipment market

The global pharmaceutical packaging equipment market research predicts the market to grow at a CAGR of around 5% between 2016 and 2020. The growing technological innovation and an increase in investment in the manufacturing sector by vendors in APAC have fueled the growth of this market. The market has been witnessing growth since 2012 owing to the development of the pharmaceutical industry globally. High import duties along with the need for cost-effective manufacturing facilities create a remarkable opportunity for the pharmaceutical packaging equipment market in developing countries such as India and China.

The growing advancements and developments in the pharmaceutical industry have surged the demand for new and novel drug discovery, increasing the packaging requirements for the same. Owing to the high growth in APAC, the global pharmaceutical packaging equipment market is expected to experience significant growth in the near future.

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Segmentation by packaging type and analysis of the pharmaceutical packaging equipment market

• Primary packaging equipment
• Secondary packaging equipment

Preference from end-users for unit dosage forms is one of the major factors boosting the demand for primary packaging equipment. The market attractiveness for secondary pharmaceutical packaging equipment is low owing to the high demand for primary pharmaceutical packaging products.

Geographical segmentation and analysis of the pharmaceutical packaging equipment market

• Americas
• APAC
• EMEA

During 2015, the global pharmaceutical packaging equipment market was led by the Americas with a market share of more than 30%. The demand for different pharmaceutical packaging equipment worldwide depends on several factors such as advancements in the pharmaceutical industry, patent expirations of a number of drugs i

Global Pharmaceutical Grade Prilocaine is segmented by Application (Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, Research, Manufacturing, Education), Type (APIs, Formulations, Packaging Solutions, Quality Control Equipment, Safety Equipment) and Geography(North America, LATAM, West Europe, Central & Eastern Europe, Northern Europe, Southern Europe, East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, Oceania, MEA)

Global Pharmaceutical Logistics Market size is set to expand from $ 90.78 Billion in 2023 to $ 201.44 Billion by 2032, a CAGR of 9.26% from 2024 to 2032.

Global Pharmaceutical Validation Services Market was valued at USD 8.21 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 11.52 Billion in the forecast period with a CAGR of 5.78% through 2030.

This statistic depicts the global pharmaceutical quality management software market size in 2020 and a forecast for 2030, by world region. In 2020, the market was estimated to be worth around 230 million U.S. dollars in North America. Projections, however, tell us that the market should increase to nearly 1.7 billion dollars by 2030.

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Overview of the pharmaceutical labeling market

The global pharmaceutical labeling market research predicts the market to grow at a CAGR of more than 4% over the forecast period. Color printing enables organizations to market their brands effectively to customers by emphasizing and focusing on the key features of the products. The proliferation of communication messages directed toward identical customer segments by different companies has led to increasing difficulty in customers identifying brands of a particular company. To overcome such problems, vendors are increasingly focusing on color inkjet printing as it helps the customer understand and retain the communication message on the label.

In this pharmaceutical labeling market analysis, factors such as the recent advances in technology are predicted to spur the growth prospects of the market over the predicted period. The global pharmaceutical labeling market has witnessed many innovations and technological advancements in the last few years. Besides the traditional water-based technology and hot-melts technology, several new technologies like ultra-barrier technology have emerged in the market. This technology enables the use of a transparent ultra-barrier film with low water and oxygen transport rates that meet the needs of new products employing organic light-emitting diodes.

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Segmentation by label types and analysis of the pharmaceutical labeling market

• Pressure-sensitive labels
• Glue-applied labels
• Sleeve labels
• In-mold labels

During 2015, the pressure sensitive labels segment dominated the market and accounted for more than 71% of the pharmaceutical labeling market share. Paper, coated paper films, and plastic films are the most commonly used materials to manufacture pressure-sensitive labels. These labels are convenient to use, are available in different designs and patterns, and are versatile.

Geographical segmentation and analysis of the pharmaceutical labeling market

• APAC
• Europe
• North America</li&

Global size & share of AI for Pharmaceutical market is estimated to cross USD 8150 Million by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 47% between 2020 and 2026. AI has the potential to accelerate the new discovery and also increase productivity reducing the cost of operation and time to market.

Global Pharma supply is segmented by Application (Pharma, Hospitals, Clinics, Warehousing, Retail Chains), Type (Cold Chain, API Handling, Drug Storage, E-pharma, Track & Trace) and Geography(North America, LATAM, West Europe, Central & Eastern Europe, Northern Europe, Southern Europe, East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, Oceania, MEA)

Global Pharmaceutical Contract Sales Organization (CSO) is segmented by Application (Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Medical Devices, Clinical Trials, Research & Development), Type (Field Sales, Outsourced Sales Force, Marketing Support, TeleSales, Hybrid Sales Models) and Geography(North America, LATAM, West Europe, Central & Eastern Europe, Northern Europe, Southern Europe, East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, Oceania, MEA)

Pfizer held nine percent of the world's pharmaceutical drug market in 2022. The global market for prescribed medicines is expected to be led by U.S. companies, accompanied by Swiss pharma giants Roche and Novartis.

Prescription and over-the-counter drugs The total global prescription drug market – including generic and orphan drugs – was estimated at 1.12 trillion U.S. dollars for 2022. Especially the orphan drug market is a major driver and expected to more than double its revenues in only seven years between 2019 and 2026. Prescribed (Rx) drugs are drugs which can be only obtained with a physician’s prescription. In contrast to these, there is the group of so called over-the-counter (OTC) drugs which can be purchased directly without a prescription. Typical examples for OTC drugs are lower-dosed pain killers like aspirin or ibuprofen.

Pfizer as global leader New York City-based Pfizer has been among the largest pharmaceutical companies for many years based on combined prescribed and OTC drug revenue. Today, the company is totally focused on human medicine, divided into four major segments: Primary Care, Specialty Care, Oncology, and Pfizer Centreone. Pfizer also had a significant animal health division until 2013. The company generates about half of its revenues inside the United States. Among Pfizer’s perhaps most famous drug ever produced is the potency pill Viagra.