A Dangerous Dependence: The Pharmaceutical Reliance on China

In recent years, the global dependence on pharmaceuticals made in China has reached alarming levels. This dependence poses significant risks to our healthcare system, national security, and public health. As concerned citizens, we must recognize the gravity of this issue and take immediate action.

80% of key ingredients in American drugs come from China, NBC News investigation finds

Dependence on a Single Source – A U.S. China Economic and Security Review Commission study reveals that China is the world’s largest producer of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The over-reliance on a single source for these essential components exposes us to potential supply chain disruptions, price manipulations, and quality control issues. 

U.S. imports of these health products—either directly from China or indirectly through companies in third countries— continue to increase (see Figure 6). As the largest source of fentanyl, China also plays a key role in the ongoing U.S. opioid epidemic. 

Quality Control Concerns

The FDA’s warning letters to Chinese pharmaceutical companies have highlighted severe quality control issues. These lapses in quality assurance can lead to substandard or contaminated products reaching our pharmacies, endangering public health.

National Security Implications

The Council on Foreign Relations has expressed concerns about the national security implications of this dependence. In a time of geopolitical tension, our reliance on China for essential medications could be weaponized, leaving us vulnerable.

China accounted for 95 percent of U.S. imports of ibuprofen, 91 percent of U.S. imports of hydrocortisone, 70 percent of U.S. imports of acetaminophen, 40 to 45 percent of U.S. imports of penicillin and 40 percent of U.S. imports of heparin, according to Commerce Department data. – The U.S. is woefully unprepared to address even minor disruptions in the supply of these drugs.

Impact on Native American Communities

The Native American communities, in particular, are at risk. Limited access to healthcare and specialized medications makes the quality and availability of pharmaceuticals a matter of life and death. In the Medicare group under age 65, American Indian and Alaska Native beneficiaries had the highest affordability problems. They were most likely not to get needed prescriptions due to cost.

We must not remain complacent in the face of this growing threat. It is our responsibility to ensure our healthcare system’s safety, security, and sovereignty.

We urge you to contact your elected officials today. Ask them to:

• Investigate the current state of pharmaceutical dependence on China.
• Implement policies to diversify the sources of APIs and essential medications.
• Enhance quality control measures for imported pharmaceutical products.
• Support initiatives that prioritize the healthcare needs of Native American communities.

Together, we can build a resilient healthcare system that serves all Americans, free from undue foreign influence and risk.