Portugal’s biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors have become the backbone of the country’s health-related exports, accounting for more than 80 percent of the total value of goods exported within the health industry, according to figures published by AICEP, Portugal’s national agency for trade and investment. This export dominance signals a maturing life sciences ecosystem and a significant shift in the structure of Portugal’s industrial economy.
The growing weight of pharmaceutical and biotech exports reflects years of sustained investment in research, manufacturing, and international market access. Portuguese companies now supply a wide range of products including generic drugs, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), biologics, diagnostics, and medical technologies to markets across Europe, Latin America, and North America. Several of these firms, such as Bial, Bluepharma, and Hovione, have established themselves as global suppliers in highly regulated environments, meeting the strict quality standards of agencies such as the European Medicines Agency and the U.S. FDA.
According to AICEP, the number of companies operating in the Portuguese health industry now exceeds 430, directly employing more than 10,000 people. The sector is not only a major contributor to national exports but also a growing source of innovation and high-value employment. Lisbon and Porto remain the primary clusters, with Coimbra and Braga also emerging as regional centres for biomedical research, clinical trials, and production.
The rise of biotech and pharma exports has coincided with broader efforts to reindustrialise the Portuguese economy through innovation-led growth. Since the 2008 financial crisis, the country has increasingly turned to export-oriented industries to drive economic resilience and reduce dependence on domestic consumption. The life sciences sector has become a key part of this strategy, attracting foreign direct investment and forging partnerships with multinational firms seeking manufacturing and R&D bases in southern Europe.
One of the driving forces behind the sector’s export success is its strong scientific foundation. Portugal consistently produces highly skilled graduates in biology, chemistry, pharmacology, and engineering. Universities such as the University of Lisbon, University of Porto, and University of Coimbra have developed close ties with local industry, fostering an environment that supports technology transfer, spin-offs, and joint research projects. These collaborations have contributed to the development of proprietary medicines, novel drug-delivery platforms, and advanced diagnostics now being exported around the world.
In addition to traditional pharmaceuticals, Portugal is also becoming known for its strength in contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) services. These facilities offer scalable production of complex molecules for international biotech firms, providing a critical bridge between laboratory discovery and commercial production. Companies like Lusomedicamenta and Recipharm have grown significantly by serving this niche, capitalising on Portugal’s cost-effectiveness, skilled workforce, and favourable regulatory frameworks.
Despite these successes, experts say Portugal must continue investing in infrastructure, talent development, and regulatory support to sustain export growth. Challenges remain in attracting later-stage venture capital and in ensuring that small- and mid-sized companies can scale effectively. There is also a need for improved coordination across government ministries, research institutions, and industry to avoid fragmentation and ensure that strategic objectives are met.
Nonetheless, the outlook for Portuguese biotech and pharma exports remains strong. With continued focus on innovation, quality manufacturing, and global engagement, Portugal is positioning itself not only as a regional player, but increasingly as a reliable partner in the international health supply chain.