China Small Molecule CDMO Market To Reach $8.34 Billion By 2033

China Small Molecule CDMO Market Growth & Trends

The China small molecule CDMO market size is estimated to reach USD 8.34 billion by 2033, registering to grow at a CAGR of 9.58% from 2025 to 2033, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Low cost associated with outsourcing services in China, a high number of China-based CDMOs offering end to end contract development & manufacturing organization (CDMO) services and surge in the geriatric population in the country contributing to the disease burden in the country is further supporting the demand for CDMO services in China.        

China is recognized across the world as one of the largest industrial hubs. Moreover, it is among the world's most affordable manufacturing destinations. Compared to the products made in the U.S., those made in China cost 5% less, and products built or assembled in Europe cost a staggering 10%-20% higher. China has much lower labor expenses than Western nations. Chinese workers are paid USD 11.90 per hour, whereas in the U.S. workers are paid USD 35.96 per hour. All these factors support the CDMO market in China.

In January 2022, China signed the Asia Pacific free trade agreement. As per this agreement, countries such as Brunei Darussalam, Australia, China, Cambodia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam will enjoy free trade, which means 90% of trade tariffs will be eliminated if these countries trade among themselves. This is expected to improve the outsourcing activities of drug development and manufacturing in China from these countries in the coming years and thus support market growth.

The WHO states that, in the coming years, the geriatric population of China is expected to rise. In 2019, there were 176 million individuals aged 65 years or older, and by 2040, 402 million people will be over the age of 60, which represents around 28% of the world's population. The rise in the aging population is expected to increase the demand for pharmaceutical contract development & manufacturing activities in the country during the post-pandemic period.

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China Small Molecule CDMO Market Report Highlights

• The API segment dominated the China small molecule contract development & manufacturing organization market with the largest revenue share of in 2024. This is due the4 high dependence on China for API and increase in the API exports from China.

• Based on drug, the generic segment is expected to expand at the fastest CAGR, owing to the initiatives taken by the government to improve access of generics in the country. A significant number of drugs going off patent are further supporting the segment market.

• Based on application, oncology segment held the largest share of 34.71% in 2024. Owing to a significant number of drug manufacturing and development activities conducted in the oncology segment in the country.

China Small Molecule CDMO Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the China small molecule CDMO market based on product, drug, and application

China Small Molecule CDMO Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

• Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API)

• Finished Drug Products

China Small Molecule CDMO Drug Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

• Innovators

• Generics

China Small Molecule CDMO Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

• Oncology

• Cardiovascular Disease

• Central Nervous System (CNS) Conditions

• Autoimmune/Inflammation

• Others

List of Key Players in China Small Molecule CDMO Market

• Lonza

• Catalent, Inc

• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

• Bellen Chemistry

• Siegfried Holding AG

• Recipharm AB

• Eurofins Scientific

• WuXi AppTec

• Asymchem Laboratories

• Langhua Pharmaceutical (Viva Biotech subsidiary)

• Apeloa Pharmaceutical

• JiuZhou Pharmaceutical