Image credit: CPHI & PMEC China 2025
CPHI & PMEC China 2025 has emerged as a cornerstone of the global pharmaceutical industry, driving collaboration, innovation, and strategic networking. The event bridges international and Chinese pharmaceutical sectors, offering unparalleled opportunities for sourcing, knowledge exchange, and forging partnerships.
CPHI & PMEC China returned to the Shanghai New International Expo Center on June 24-26, riding a wave of renewed international interest, as the pharmaceutical industry rebounds from recent developments in global trade and investment.
Amid evolving market dynamics and recent trade developments, the global pharmaceutical landscape is witnessing a surge in market shares and increased capital expenditure from pharmaceutical companies. Global pharmaceutical companies are increasingly turning their attention to Chinese biopharma, biotech and medtech assets, driven by the dual appeal of access to the domestic market and the potential for international licensing opportunities. Western drugmakers are actively pursuing strategic partnerships, leveraging China's rapidly advancing biotech ecosystem to accelerate global launches. This trend reflects a broader shift as the industry recognizes China's growing role as a key player in the global pharmaceutical landscape.
CPHI & PMEC China 2025 was poised to be the largest pharma event in Asia, spread across more than 230,000 square meters of exhibition area, attracted over 90,000 global attendees and 3,500 exhibitors, showcasing innovation across 12 innovation zones and held more than 100 conferences alongside the exhibition.
"It was an incredible experience sharing our latest innovations at CPHI & PMEC China! Looking forward to connecting with more industry professionals and continuing the inspiring conversations" commented LISURE, a pharmaceutical manufacturing firm from Suzhou, Jiangsu expressing gratitude to the booth visitors.
CPHI & PMEC China, the world's largest pharma event, are playing a significant role in inspiring change across the global supply chain by emphasizing collaboration, strategic partnerships and sustainable development. Over three record-breaking days, the event united the global pharma supply chain, offering powerful networking opportunities, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation. Participants and industries involved in the pharmaceutical value chain found the event to be extremely valuable, as it underscored the importance of innovation and partnership in advancing the global pharmaceutical industry.
"CPHI & PMEC China in Shanghai was a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry leaders and innovators across the pharma landscape. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who visited the SPI Pharma booth and spoke with our team of experts. Your interest in our excipient platforms, vaccine delivery technologies, nutraceutical solutions, and more was inspiring and exciting. From insightful conversations to new connections, we’re energized by the momentum and ready to support your formulation goals with tailored solutions and global expertise" shares SPI Pharma, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing firm from Wilmington who exhibited their portfolios in an exhibition booth.
CPHI & PMEC are pivotal hubs for global sourcing, with China at the forefront.
The 2025 edition of CPHI & PMEC China showcased thought leaders and exhibitors presenting cutting-edge, data-driven solutions, the latest research, market insights, and innovative formulation strategies. This gathering highlighted the pharmaceutical industry's commitment to evidence-based advancements and the continuous evolution of global pharmaceutical manufacturing and China’s potential to be ahead in the race.
CPHI & PMEC China is emerging as a pivotal hub for global sourcing, with China at the forefront of an expanding network of partners. Unlike previous years, global executives are now actively seeking more options, using the event to identify primary and secondary suppliers while also exploring reserve options and long-term strategies. This shift, coupled with easing trade tensions, is driving a resurgence in global partnerships and making it an exciting time to build new networks.
Hala Raghib, CEO at REACH Pharmaceuticals, Australia, expressed "Privileged to be surrounded by so many talented and passionate pharmaceutical professionals. It’s been an energising few days of innovation, partnership, and shared purpose. We’re excited to continue developing the Australian market with new partners while strengthening our foundations. Looking forward to connecting with innovative partners and exploring potential opportunities to bring cutting-edge products to Australia and New Zealand. Exciting times ahead for collaboration and growth!"
The industry's expanding global footprint has prompted record attendance at CPHI & PMEC China, with executives seeking new suppliers of ingredients and equipment. The event emphasized strategic collaborations and market expansion, as well as the restructuring of the pharmaceutical ecosystem.
CPHI China advances innovation, synergy with evolving trade dynamics
CPHI & PMEC China 2025 showcased the pharmaceutical industry’s integration of scientific and technological innovation with industrial progress, fostering new business models and regional synergies.
Against the backdrop of evolving trade dynamics, the event also underscored the growing influence of China in the global pharmaceutical landscape, with a focus on strategic collaborations and market expansion. The exhibition provided insightful opportunities for partnerships and growth, with Activ Pharma Ingredients (API) exhibiting exceptional performance in the Chinese market, further cementing the region's prominent position in the global pharmaceutical market.
The CPHI & PMEC platforms demonstrated the thriving pharma industry in China and its status as the world's largest manufacturing hub. As evidenced by CPHI China 2025, domestic suppliers are moving beyond "high single-compound content" homogeneous competition and making a point to emphasize their technological advantages.
Tabassum Khan, Founder & Chairman at StratGurus summarizes his analysis as "CPHI China 2025 is a convergence of innovation, insight, and opportunity in the global pharmaceutical industry. Among the many exciting developments, three segments stood out as the clear front-runners shaping pharma's future. Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) – revolutionizing oncology by delivering targeted, potent therapies; Biosimilars – driving affordability and accessibility without compromising efficacy; Peptides – offering precision, stability, and potential across diverse therapeutic areas. These aren’t just trends — they represent strategic focal points for companies looking to stay competitive and relevant in a rapidly evolving market. CPHI reinforces the importance of investing in science that creates hope, not just selling it."
Interconnected network of the global pharmaceutical supply chain,
CPHI serves as a vast and interconnected network of the global pharmaceutical supply chain, encompassing diverse sectors such as pharmaceutical, Biopharma, Active Pharma Ingredients (API, Biomolecules, ingredients, excipients, medical devices, laboratory instruments, consumables and supplies, beauty and cosmetics, finished dosage forms, clean technology, CDMO and CRO contract services, natural extracts, pharma packaging, and machinery. Professionals across these industries collaborate to source opportunities, secure contracts, and drive innovation and efficiency throughout the supply chain. Professionals across these industries collaborated to source opportunities and secure contracts, driving innovation and efficiency in the supply chain. The interconnected ecosystem enabled the seamless exchange of resources and expertise, fostering advancements in healthcare and related fields.
This interconnected ecosystem facilitates the seamless exchange of resources and expertise, fostering advancements in healthcare and related fields. The event highlights the growing influence of China in the global pharmaceutical landscape, with a focus on strategic collaborations and market expansion. Sessions at CPHI provide valuable insights into avenues for partnerships and growth, with key players like Activ Pharma Ingredients (API) demonstrating exceptional performance in China, further solidifying the region's pivotal role in the global pharmaceutical market.
As the world's second-largest pharmaceutical economy and manufacturing hub, China plays a major role in the high level of competition in the pharmaceutical sector. Recent uncertainty and disruption caused by escalating trade tariffs attracted an array of international exhibitors to the Shanghai edition of CPHI&PMEC China. Consequently, the pharmaceutical industries in APAC anticipate positive global outlook, reflecting in more profitable valuations and higher capital expenditures from both big and small pharma.
“ADCs, biosimilars, and peptides aren’t just the future — they’re the new foundation of pharma. We are eager to connect with global partners and explore how we can support your sourcing and development needs.Whether you’re seeking high-quality chemical products or innovative solutions,we're here to help. Discover business opportunities and potential collaborations. We have fresh perspective and innovative energy in the chemical and pharmaceutical trade industry. We’re excited to bring this energy to CPHI & PMEC China2025." shared the excitement Hubei Shengtong Import and Export Co., Ltd.
The Asia-Pacific life science sector, led by China's advancements in pharmaceuticals and biosciences, is experiencing unprecedented growth. This momentum was evident at CPHI & PMEC China, the category of exhibition booths illustrated the industry's expanding international footprint. Biotech and big pharma's increased investments in development and production underscore a positive global outlook for the sector. Exhibitors were the live embodiment of the evolving pharmaceutical ecosystem, promoting strategic collaborations and market expansion.
EVA Pharma, a Pharmaceutical Manufacturing firm from Eygypt (Haram, Giza) expressed “During CPHI China 2025, our presence reflected the efforts of cross-functional teams from Supply Chain to R&D and beyond, working together to represent EVA Pharma’s mission on a global stage. Sustainably offering accessible, high-value medicines and health care solutions that address local patients’ needs".
CPHI Fuels Pharma's Resurgence
The pharmaceutical industry is experiencing a resurgence, marked by record discovery milestones and renewed growth, alongside the emergence of new manufacturing hubs worldwide. In this context, CPHI & PMEC events have become essential platforms for global industries looking to leverage China’s extensive network of ingredient, manufacturing, and starting material suppliers. These partnerships are driving global pharmaceutical manufacturing expansion, reflecting the industry's strong fundamentals despite shifting trade dynamics.
Jonathon Haydn-Evans, VP of Regional Sales APAC at Envirotainer expressed, "We've been exhibiting at CPHI for the past three years, obviously the largest benchmark at the Chinese market. We are showcasing our advanced Envirotainer Control Temperature system for the biopharma industry at CPHI this year. Envirotainer intends to beat up and network those buyers in the international pharma manufacturing facility, particularly China."
CPHI & PMEC China, in particular, has drawn record attendance as executives seek new suppliers to support the industry’s expanding global reach. The event highlights the restructuring of the pharmaceutical ecosystem, with a focus on strategic collaborations and market growth. Sessions at the event provided valuable insights into partnerships and market expansion, with Activ Pharma Ingredients (API) showcasing exceptional performance in China, further cementing the region’s growing influence in the global pharmaceutical landscape.
CPHI & PMEC Pharmaceutical Industry Exhibition, CPHI China was able to further integrate scientific and technological innovation with industrial innovation, foster new industries, new business models, and new models, achieve regional linkage, and build innovative synergies.
Potential to drive global supply chain resilience
China’s growing influence in the global pharmaceutical landscape takes center stage at this year’s event, which highlights the industry’s evolving ecosystem and strategic collaborations driving market expansion. Record attendance reflects executives’ interest in sourcing new suppliers and equipment to support the industry’s expanding global footprint. The 2025 edition features thought leaders and exhibitors showcasing data-driven, evidence-based solutions, the latest research, ingredient insights, innovations, and formulation strategies. One session provided valuable insights into strategic collaborations and market expansion opportunities, including: - Activ Pharma Ingredients (API) demonstrating unprecedented performance in China.
The Natural Extracts zone attracted nearly 450 domestic and international companies. Covering a wide range including plant extracts, animal extracts, food/beverage ingredients, functional food ingredients, health food ingredients, and novel ingredients, the zone aimed to create a platform for innovation incubation and trendsetting in the natural extracts field.
The outlook for the pharmaceutical industry is further bolstered by a robust domestic market and the rise of new manufacturing centers in Southeast Asia, both of which are driving increased demand for China-based ingredient partners. This growing demand underscores the pivotal role of China in supporting global pharmaceutical supply chains.
Running alongside the exhibition, attendees could explore a range of additional activities, including the CPHI Celebration Awards & Networking Party, a dedicated conference featuring the Biopharmaceuticals Outlook, International Regulatory Agencies Updates and similar intriguing interactions through Q&A sessions. The Innovation Gallery & Tour, and regional plant visits were the major highlights of the event. The event was preceded by a one-day Natural Extracts Buyer Programme on June 23rd at the Grand Mercure Shanghai Century Park, alongside a parallel Pharma Machinery Buyer Programme running from June 24-25 at the International Visitor Lounge, SNIEC Shanghai.
The next edition of CPHI & PMEC Shenzhen, set for September 1–3, 2025, at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center, aims to meet the growing demand for deeper exploration of key pharmaceutical regions, particularly in South China. This highly anticipated event will highlight the region’s expanding role in the global pharmaceutical industry, building on the success of previous editions that showcased innovation, strategic collaborations, and market expansion opportunities.
Some other notable upcoming CPHI editions are; ; CPHI Korea (26-28 August, 2025 at COEX – Seoul, Korea); CPHI Frankfurt (8-10 October 2025 at Messe Frankfurt – Frankfurt, Germany); CPHI & PMEC India (25-27 November 2025 at the India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, Delhi NCR – Delhi, India); CPHI Middle East (08-10 December, 2025 at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Convention Center – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia); Pharmapack Europe (21-22 Jan, 2026 at Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles, Hall 4 – Paris); CPHI Japan (21-23 April, 2026 at East Halls 1, 2 & 3, Tokyo Big Sight – Tokyo, Japan).
