India was the largest exporter with 24% of the world total, and the United States was the largest buyer.
What this market covers
Controlled active ingredients such as psilocybin, MDMA and LSD made for clinical use. Buyers are drug developers and licensed research sites.
Typical segments
- Psilocybin
- MDMA
- LSD and analogues
- Ketamine and esketamine
- Ibogaine
Why this market is moving now
- World trade shrank 25% from 2019 to 2024, a direct read on cross-border demand.
Key figures
Global figures for this market, with the year each one describes. Use Cite to copy a reference to this page.
| Figure | Value | Year | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| World exports of non-vegetal alkaloids, natural or reproduced by synthesis, and their salts, ethers (HS 293980), the trade category that includes psychedelic active pharmaceutical ingredients, were worth $70.2 million in 2024. | 70.2 USD million | 2024 | |
| World exports were 25% lower in 2024 than in 2019 ($93.4 million), calculated from the annual totals. | -25 % since 2019 | 2024 | |
| India was the largest exporter in 2024, with 24% of world exports ($16.8 million). | 24 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The three largest exporters, India, China and Italy, shipped 54% of world exports in 2024. | 54 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The United States was the largest importer in 2024, buying $16.6 million, or 24% of world imports. | 24 % of world imports | 2024 | |
| 12 countries exported more than $1 million of this product in 2024. | 12 countries | 2024 | |
| The average world export price was about $158.44 per kilogram in 2024, calculated from value and weight. | 158.44 USD per kg | 2024 | |
| Countries exported 443 tonnes of this product in 2024. | 443 tonnes | 2024 |
Calculated figures (shares, changes and prices per kilogram) are plain arithmetic on the reported values. Read how we work.
Buyers and suppliers
Who buys
- Biotech drug developers
- Contract manufacturers
- University research sites
Largest exporting countries, 2024
Largest importing countries, 2024
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the global market - 03Global market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Countries and regions
Demand, supply and trade by country and region - 05Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 06Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 07Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 08Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 09Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 10Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 11Method and assumptions
How every figure was built
Included with the full report
- PDF report, 40 to 60 pages
- Excel data pack
- Ready-to-use charts
- Method note and assumptions
- Written to order in 5 working days
Frequently asked questions
How big is the global psychedelic active pharmaceutical ingredients market?
There is no single official market total. World exports of HS 293980 reached $70.2 million in 2024, a direct measure of cross-border trade.
Which countries export the most psychedelic active pharmaceutical ingredients?
India led world exports in 2024 with 24% of the total, followed by China, Italy and the United States.
Which countries import the most psychedelic active pharmaceutical ingredients?
The United States was the largest importer in 2024, followed by India, Canada and Japan.
Is world trade in psychedelic active pharmaceutical ingredients growing?
World exports were 25% lower in 2024 than in 2019.
What is the average export price of psychedelic active pharmaceutical ingredients?
Dividing world export value by weight gives about $158.44 per kilogram in 2024.
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