Locally produced items cater for 64% of domestic requirements but, in response to reduced tariff rates, imports have become increasingly important in recent years.

The industry is highly fragmented, with no single producer accounting for more than 10% of the market.

Pharmaceuticals gross manufacturing output in 2001 was R6,2 billion, and retail sales of pharmaceutical products was around R16 billion. Manufacturing is mainly carried out by local companies Aspen Pharmacare and Adcock Ingram, which together make up 25% of South Africa’s market share.