The APAC bioprocessing market is poised for robust growth through 2035, driven by industrial biosimilars demand, technological advancements, and rapid expansion of CDMOs (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations). However, challenges such as intense competition, regulatory complexities, and ongoing trade tensions may temper this momentum.
To navigate this evolving landscape, the Guidepoint Insights team engaged in critical discussions with industry experts including the COO of IDT Australia, a former Senior Director of Sai Life Sciences, and a former Director of Junshi Biosciences. These conversations provided a comprehensive overview of market dynamics, emerging modality technologies, and supply chain disruptions caused by trade regulation.
China as a Regional Powerhouse
China’s bioprocessing market has undergone structural reforms to address post-pandemic overcapacity. Since Q4 2024, growth has accelerated sharply, accounting for approximately 30% of all global bioprocessing revenue.
Guidepoint Insights organized discussions with market experts including a Strategy and Marketing Director at Alioth Biotechnology and a General Manager/China Site Head for Cipla Limited to understand the domestic supplier capabilities, high-end market competition, and consolidation trends.
Key Takeaways:
“The Chinese market is highly competitive, with price wars and consolidation among smaller players. Leading domestic firms are expected to become strong global competitors within 3–5 years.”
“Chinese companies such as Cobetter and Sino Biological are rapidly gaining share in low- and mid-tier applications, such as cell culture media, filtration, and chromatography consumables.”
“Innovation gaps are narrowing, especially for the mid-end applications. For the ultra-high-end applications, which are in the GMP grade or the FDA-inspected equipment, most companies still prefer Western brands.”
APAC CDMOs Drive Critical Product and Modality Innovation
The APAC CDMO is estimated to reach USD $108 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 8.6% according to Research and Markets1. Key markets such as China, South Korea, and Singapore are seeing high single-digit to low double-digit growth rates, driven by critical product and process innovation, capacity expansion, and regulatory shifts.
Guidepoint Insights engaged in discussions with experienced executives including the Founder and CEO of Tanda Biotech, a Product Manager of Thermo Fisher Scientific, and the Head of Operations of Aarti Pharmalabs to explore the latest modality technologies, production processes, and market trends.
Key Takeaways:
“The APAC CDMO market is dominated by large players in China (WuXi AppTec, WuXi Biologics), India (Divi’s, Syngene, Piramal), and South Korea (Samsung Biologics).”
“APAC CDMOs are driving innovation in complex modalities such as ADCs (antibody-drug conjugates), bispecific antibodies, and cell/gene therapies.”
“Single-use bioreactors are increasingly adopted by CDMOs for flexibility and rapid project turnaround, while large biopharma companies still favor stainless steel for stability.”
“Advanced therapies (cell/gene therapy, ADCs) are growing but remain niche in terms of volume and revenue impact.”
Geopolitical Impact on Supply Chains
Geopolitical tensions are reshaping the APAC bioprocessing market with escalating costs, disrupting shipping timelines and accelerating regional supply chain diversification. Simultaneously, these challenges are creating opportunities for local CDMOs to meet rising demand.
Guidepoint Insights connected with market experts including an Advisory Board Member from Bio Supply Management Alliance and the Chief Operating Officer from IDT Australia to get a timely understanding of the current supply- and end-market dynamics.
Key Takeaways:
“Multinational companies are localizing manufacturing in China and APAC to mitigate tariff impacts and reduce lead times, but imported consumables remain expensive and are used selectively.”
“The BIOSECURE Act and US tariffs are prompting global pharma companies to diversify away from China and seek alternative partners in India, South Korea, and Southeast Asia.”
“For sensitive biologics production, often in therapeutic areas like oncology or infectious diseases, western companies might prefer to consciously avoid Chinese-supplied equipment or materials.”
“In China, big pharma is recovering fastest, shifting from generics to innovative biologics and driving demand for bioprocessing products.”
Looking Forward
By 2035, APAC will not only be the world’s bioprocessing workshop but also its innovation laboratory. While China and India drive volume and cost leadership, South Korea and Singapore will anchor high-margin, cutting-edge production.
Through ongoing pivotal discussions with renowned industry experts in major markets, Guidepoint Insights will continue to stay informed of the emerging modalities, navigate the fractured regulatory landscape and capture end market dynamics.
Learn more about Guidepoint Insights.