Manufacturing industry Swiss pharmaceutical industry supplies Russia despite the war
More than three years after the Russian attack on Ukraine, exports from the Swiss pharmaceutical industry to Russia remain largely stable. The companies justify this with their responsibility towards patients. But there is criticism.
20.10.2025, 13:53
SDA
Swiss pharmaceutical exports to Russia have proven to be quite stable since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. According to the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG), the industry delivered medicines worth CHF 1.8 billion to the Russian Federation last year.
Although this is slightly less than in the two previous years, it corresponds to the level of 2019 - i.e. before the outbreak of war and the pandemic. This year, the industry is also on course to match the previous year's figures.
Exempt from sanctions
Although Russia's share of total Swiss pharmaceutical exports is less than two percent, pharmaceutical products currently account for over 80 percent of Swiss exports to Russia. Before the war, the share was 50 percent.
Many Swiss companies greatly reduced or completely stopped their activities after the start of the war. However, pharmaceutical exports are legally permissible: The EU sanctions measures adopted by the Federal Council mainly concern trade in goods, finance and energy, but not the supply of humanitarian or medical products.
Public Eye calls for withdrawal
Nevertheless, the non-governmental organization Public Eye is critical of pharmaceutical exports to the Russian market. "As Western countries tighten sanctions against Russia, Swiss pharmaceutical companies should also withdraw from Russia," says spokesperson Oliver Classen.
If they do not do so, it will be for commercial reasons. "There are enough alternatives for the essential medicines defined by the WHO that Roche or Novartis supply to Russia."
Public Eye, on the other hand, would find it unethical to discontinue clinical trials. Classen believes that the companies should continue to supply products for these trials. "But only for these studies."
The major pharmaceutical companies all justify their exports to the Russian Federation with their responsibility towards patients. "Novartis is committed to providing people all over the world with access to medicines - regardless of where they are located," the company wrote in response to an inquiry from the news agency AWP. Stopping the supply of vital medicines could have serious consequences for those affected.
Activities restricted
Roche is also continuing to export medicines and diagnostic products. However, activities have been "significantly restricted", explains a spokesperson. New clinical trials and the admission of new patients have been halted.
"Nevertheless, we are ensuring that patients receive important medicines in accordance with international law." Russia accounts for around 1 percent of Roche's sales.
Sandoz also continues to supply, mainly anti-infectives and respiratory medicines. "About half of our products in Russia are part of the WHO list of essential medicines," explains a spokesperson. The activities in Russia also only account for a low single-digit percentage of the Group's global sales.
Lonza, on the other hand, has no facilities, offices or other operational presence in the Russian Federation and speaks of "very limited" business relations.
Based on the sales figures and market shares, it can be said that Swiss pharmaceutical companies do not really contribute to Putin's war chest, comments Public Eye spokesperson Classen. "Nevertheless, their withdrawal would be an important political signal from the industry to the Russian government."
