Becoming Immune to the Competition: Global Trade Flow and Characteristics of Major Exporters of Immunological Products

Immunological products have emerged as efficacious therapies in several fields, including autoimmune disease and cancer. The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States defines these products as peptides and proteins which are directly involved in immunological processes, such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), antibody fragments, antibody conjugates, and antibody fragment conjugates. Immunological products had a global export value of $161.1 billion in 2020. The top exporters in the world by share of total exports were Switzerland (23 percent), Ireland (19 percent), and Germany (15 percent). The countries with the top trade balances as net exporters were Ireland ($27.5 billion), Switzerland ($25.8 billion), the Netherlands ($3.9 billion, possible Rotterdam effect), and Germany ($3.3 billion). The focus of this study is on the top global net exporters with the addition of the top global net importer, the United States. Analysis reveals the top net exporting country characteristics included low corporate tax rates on immunological products, investor backing, incentivizing legislation, advantageous partnerships, and the establishment of specialized manufacturing facilities.