Demand for pharmaceuticals in China is expected to grow by more than 13%/year to be worth US$3.27BN by 2010, according to market research group, Freedonia. The pharmaceuticals sector is a big consumer of glass packaging, vials and ampoules. The consumption and production of pharmaceuticals in China will increase rapidly over the long term fuelled by strong economic growth, changing demographic patterns and the reform and expansion of China's healthcare system. Once dominated by traditional medicines, China's pharmaceutical market now offers a broad mix of modern and alternative preparations. Western ethical drugs are expected to provide the biggest and fastest growth opportunities as China's population ages and rising prosperity boosts government funding for medicines.
