Who Buys Montelukast from India — 1324 Importers Behind a $168.3M Market
India's montelukast import market is served by 1324 active buyers who collectively imported $168.3M across 6,431 shipments. AMERISOURCE HEALTH SERVICES (UNITED STATES) leads with a 17.3% market share, followed by MACLEODS PHARMA USA ,INC and BREATHEFREE LANKA PVT LTD. The top 5 buyers together control 43.3% of total import value, reflecting a moderately competitive buyer landscape.

Top Montelukast Importers — Ranked by Import Value
AMERISOURCE HEALTH SERVICES (UNITED STATES) is the leading montelukast importer from India, holding a 17.3% share of the $168.3M market across 6,431 shipments from 1324 buyers. The top 5 buyers — AMERISOURCE HEALTH SERVICES (UNITED STATES), MACLEODS PHARMA USA ,INC (UNITED STATES), BREATHEFREE LANKA PVT LTD (SRI LANKA), UNICHEM PHARMACEUTICALS (USA) INC. (UNITED STATES), THE CATHAY DRUG CO. INC (PHILIPPINES) — collectively control 43.3% of total import value.
Top Montelukast Buyers & Importers
Ranked by import value · 1324 active buyers · Indian Customs (DGFT) data
| # | Buyer & Formulations | Value | Suppliers | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AMERISOURCE HEALTH SERVICESUNITED STATES MONTELUKAST SODIUM 10MG TABLETS-NDC NO.NO.68001-0361-03,MONTELUKAST SODIUM 10MG TABLETS | $29.2M | 5 | 17.3% |
| 2 | MACLEODS PHARMA USA ,INCUNITED STATES MONTELUKAST SODIUM 10MG TABLETS-NDC NO.NO.68001-0361-03,MONTELUKAST SODIUM 10MG TABLETSSINTAIR 10MG TABLET | $25.3M | 5 | 15.0% |
| 3 | BREATHEFREE LANKA PVT LTDSRI LANKA MONTAIR 5 MG TABS ..MONTAIR 4 TABLETSMONTAIR 10 TABLETS . | $7.8M | 5 | 4.6% |
| 4 | UNICHEM PHARMACEUTICALS (USA) INC.UNITED STATES MONTELUKAST SODIUM 10MG TABLETS-NDC NO.NO.68001-0361-03,MONTELUKAST SODIUM 10MG TABLETS | $6.3M | 5 | 3.8% |
| 5 | THE CATHAY DRUG CO. INCPHILIPPINES MONTELUKAST SODIUM 10MG TABLETS-NDC NO.NO.68001-0361-03,MONTAIR 5 MG TABS ..MONTELUKAST SODIUM 10MG TABLETS | $4.2M | 5 | 2.5% |
| 6 | XXMBEXXPHAXXACEXXICAXX IXXUNITED STATES MONTELUKAST SODIUM 10MG TABLETS-NDC NO.NO.68001-0361-03,MONTELUKAST SODIUM 10MG TABLETS | $3.8M | 5 | 2.2% |
| 7 | DR. REDDYS LABORATORIES, INCUNITED STATES MONTELUKAST SODIUM 10MG TABLETS-NDC NO.NO.68001-0361-03,MONTELUKAST SODIUM 10MG TABLETSSINTAIR 10MG TABLET | $3.1M | 5 | 1.9% |
| 8 | UNICHEM PHARMACEUTICALS USA INCUNITED STATES MONTELUKAST SODIUM 10MG TABLETS-NDC NO.NO.68001-0361-03,MONTELUKAST SODIUM 10MG TABLETS | $3.1M | 5 | 1.8% |
| 9 | UNICHEM PHARMACEUTICALS (USA), INCUNITED STATES MONTELUKAST SODIUM 10MG TABLETS-NDC NO.NO.68001-0361-03,MONTELUKAST SODIUM 10MG TABLETS | $3.0M | 5 | 1.8% |
| 10 | THE CATHAY DRUG CO INCPHILIPPINES MONTELUKAST SODIUM 10MG TABLETS-NDC NO.NO.68001-0361-03,MONTAIR 5 MG TABS ..MONTELUKAST SODIUM 10MG TABLETS | $2.6M | 5 | 1.5% |
| 11 | AJANTA PHARMA PHILIPPINES INCPHILIPPINES MONTELUKAST SODIUM 10MG TABLETS-NDC NO.NO.68001-0361-03,MONTELUKAST SODIUM 10MG TABLETS | $2.3M | 5 | 1.4% |
| 12 | DR REDDYS LABORATORIES INCUNITED STATES MONTELUKAST SODIUM 10MG TABLETS-NDC NO.NO.68001-0361-03,MONTELUKAST SODIUM 10MG TABLETSSINTAIR 10MG TABLET | $2.3M | 5 | 1.4% |
| 13 | UNICHEM PHARMACEUTICALS (USA) INCUNITED STATES MONTELUKAST SODIUM 10MG TABLETS-NDC NO.NO.68001-0361-03,MONTELUKAST SODIUM 10MG TABLETS | $1.8M | 5 | 1.0% |
| 14 | ACCORD UKUNITED KINGDOM MONTELUKAST 10MG TABLETS PACK OF 2 X14MONTELUKAST 10MG FILMCOATED TAB 28S GPELSINTAIR 10MG TABLET | $1.3M | 5 | 0.8% |
| 15 | GLENMARK PHARMACEUTICALS EUROPE LTDUNITED KINGDOM MONTELUKAST 10MG TABLETS PACK OF 2 X14MONTELUKAST 10MG FILMCOATED TAB 28S GPELMONTEMAC (MONTELUKAST NITRATE 10MG TABLE | $1.2M | 5 | 0.7% |
Related Analysis
Market Analysis: Top Importing Countries & Importers
Comprehensive geographic market intelligence dashboard
Which companies are buying Montelukast — and from which countries?
Flow of Montelukast exports from India: each country's share and the named importers behind the numbers
Montelukast — Buyer Countries to Key Importers
Trade flow: top importing countries → named buyer companies
Market Analysis: Top Importing Countries & Their Importers
1United States
United States emerges as the first largest importing country, achieving a total trade value of $97.8M through 454 shipments. This represents a market share of 58.1% of the total market activity, demonstrating their significant presence in the industry.
Top Importers: United States has a diverse importer base, with their top importers including:
• AMERISOURCE HEALTH SERVICES - $29.2M (29.9% of country's total business)
• MACLEODS PHARMA USA ,INC - $25.3M (25.9% of country's total business)
• UNICHEM PHARMACEUTICALS (USA) INC. - $6.3M (6.5% of country's total business)
• XXMBEXXPHAXXACEXXICAXX IXX - $3.8M (3.9% of country's total business)
• DR. REDDYS LABORATORIES, INC - $3.1M (3.2% of country's total business)
• Rest of United States's importers - $30.1M (30.7% of country's total business)
Key Insight: United States demonstrates strong market positioning with an average shipment value of $215.4K, indicating premium pricing strategy compared to the market average of $26.2K.
United States is a key market for Montelukast imports, representing 58.1% of total trade value.
2Philippines
Philippines emerges as the second largest importing country, achieving a total trade value of $13.3M through 29 shipments. This represents a market share of 7.9% of the total market activity, demonstrating their significant presence in the industry.
Top Importers: Philippines has a diverse importer base, with their top importers including:
• THE CATHAY DRUG CO. INC - $4.2M (31.2% of country's total business)
• THE CATHAY DRUG CO INC - $2.6M (19.2% of country's total business)
• AJANTA PHARMA PHILIPPINES INC - $2.3M (17.6% of country's total business)
Key Insight: Philippines demonstrates strong market positioning with an average shipment value of $459.1K, indicating premium pricing strategy compared to the market average of $26.2K.
Philippines is a key market for Montelukast imports, representing 7.9% of total trade value.
3Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka emerges as the third largest importing country, achieving a total trade value of $8.5M through 67 shipments. This represents a market share of 5.1% of the total market activity, demonstrating their significant presence in the industry.
Top Importers: Sri Lanka has a diverse importer base, with their top importers including:
• BREATHEFREE LANKA PVT LTD - $7.8M (91.3% of country's total business)
Key Insight: Sri Lanka demonstrates strong market positioning with an average shipment value of $127.5K, indicating premium pricing strategy compared to the market average of $26.2K.
Sri Lanka is a key market for Montelukast imports, representing 5.1% of total trade value.
4United Kingdom
United Kingdom emerges as the fourth largest importing country, achieving a total trade value of $8.1M through 115 shipments. This represents a market share of 4.8% of the total market activity, demonstrating their significant presence in the industry.
Top Importers: United Kingdom has a diverse importer base, with their top importers including:
• ACCORD UK - $1.3M (16.0% of country's total business)
• GLENMARK PHARMACEUTICALS EUROPE LTD - $1.2M (15.3% of country's total business)
Key Insight: United Kingdom demonstrates strong market positioning with an average shipment value of $70.3K, indicating premium pricing strategy compared to the market average of $26.2K.
United Kingdom is a key market for Montelukast imports, representing 4.8% of total trade value.
5South Africa
South Africa emerges as the fifth largest importing country, achieving a total trade value of $6.7M through 0 shipments. This represents a market share of 4.0% of the total market activity, demonstrating their significant presence in the industry.
Key Insight: South Africa demonstrates strong market positioning with an average shipment value of $6.7M, indicating premium pricing strategy compared to the market average of $26.2K.
South Africa is a key market for Montelukast imports, representing 4.0% of total trade value.
Buyer Segment Analysis
TransData Nexus Montelukast buyer market intelligence
1Buyer Segment Analysis
The importers of Montelukast from India can be categorized into several key segments:
1. Distributors: These entities purchase Montelukast in bulk to supply to various healthcare providers, pharmacies, and retailers. Their buying behavior is characterized by large-volume orders and a focus on cost-effectiveness to maintain competitive pricing. For instance, AMERISOURCE HEALTH SERVICES in the United States, with imports totaling $29.20 million, exemplifies this segment.
2. Pharmaceutical Companies: Companies like MACLEODS PHARMA USA, INC, which imported $25.30 million worth of Montelukast, may use the imported product for further processing, packaging, or direct distribution under their brand names. Their procurement patterns often involve consistent, large-scale purchases to meet production and market demands.
3. Hospital Groups and Healthcare Providers: These buyers procure Montelukast to meet the therapeutic needs of their patients. Their purchasing behavior is typically characterized by regular, moderate-sized orders aligned with patient demand and treatment protocols. While specific hospital groups are not listed among the top buyers, entities like THE CATHAY DRUG CO. INC in the Philippines, with imports of $4.16 million, may serve as suppliers to such institutions.
4. Government Procurement Agencies: Government bodies and international organizations often procure Montelukast through tenders to supply public health facilities and programs. Their buying patterns are influenced by public health policies, disease prevalence, and budget allocations. Although specific government agencies are not detailed in the top buyers, the presence of countries like the Philippines and Sri Lanka among the top importers suggests active government procurement.
5. Re-exporters: Some companies import Montelukast with the intent to re-export to other markets. Their purchasing behavior is driven by global market demands and trade agreements. Specific re-exporters are not identified in the provided data.
6. Contract Manufacturers: These entities import Montelukast to manufacture finished pharmaceutical products on behalf of other companies. Their procurement is typically large-scale and consistent, aligned with contractual obligations. While not explicitly listed, companies like UNICHEM PHARMACEUTICALS (USA) INC., with imports totaling $6.34 million, may operate in this capacity.
Country-Specific Import Regulations
TransData Nexus Montelukast buyer market intelligence
1Country-Specific Import Regulations
Understanding the import regulations for Montelukast in the top importing countries is crucial for market entry and compliance.
1. United States:
2. Philippines:
3. Sri Lanka:
4. United Kingdom:
5. South Africa:
Demand Drivers & Market Opportunity
TransData Nexus Montelukast buyer market intelligence
1Demand Drivers & Market Opportunity
The demand for Montelukast in importing countries is influenced by several factors:
1. Disease Prevalence: Montelukast is primarily used to manage asthma and allergic rhinitis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), asthma affected an estimated 262 million people globally in 2019, leading to 461,000 deaths. The high prevalence of respiratory conditions in countries like the United States and the Philippines drives the demand for effective treatments like Montelukast.
2. Government Healthcare Programs and Universal Health Coverage (UHC): Many countries are expanding their healthcare programs to achieve UHC, increasing access to essential medicines. For instance, the Philippines' Universal Health Care Act, enacted in 2019, aims to provide equitable access to quality and affordable health services, including essential medications. Such initiatives boost the procurement and distribution of drugs like Montelukast.
3. WHO Essential Medicines List (EML) Procurement: Montelukast is included in the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, which guides countries in selecting medicines for their national formularies. Inclusion in the EML encourages governments and healthcare organizations to prioritize its procurement, ensuring wider availability.
4. Tender-Based Purchasing: Many countries and international organizations procure pharmaceuticals through tender systems to ensure cost-effectiveness and supply chain efficiency. For example, the WHO's Global Fund often utilizes tendering processes to procure medicines for large-scale health programs. Such mechanisms create substantial market opportunities for Montelukast suppliers.
With 1,324 buyers across 138 countries, the global market for Montelukast presents significant opportunities. Understanding the regulatory landscapes, demand drivers, and procurement mechanisms in key importing countries is essential for stakeholders aiming to navigate and succeed in this market.
Common Questions — Montelukast Buyers & Importers
Answers based on Indian Customs (DGFT) shipment records compiled by TransData Nexus
QWho is the largest montelukast buyer importing from India?
Based on import volume and value, AMERISOURCE HEALTH SERVICES (UNITED STATES) leads with $29.2M in imports and a 17.3% market share — the highest of any single montelukast importer. MACLEODS PHARMA USA ,INC (UNITED STATES) and BREATHEFREE LANKA PVT LTD (SRI LANKA) are the next largest buyers.
QHow many companies buy montelukast from India?
There are 1324 active montelukast buyers importing from India, with a combined market of $168.3M across 6,431 shipments to 138 countries. The top 5 buyers hold 43.3% of total import value, while the remaining 1319 buyers handle the other 56.7%.
QWhich countries import the most montelukast from India?
The top importing countries for montelukast from India are United States (58.1%), Philippines (7.9%), Sri Lanka (5.1%), United Kingdom (4.8%), South Africa (4.0%). These markets represent the largest demand centres for Indian pharmaceutical exports of montelukast, with buyers ranging from government procurement agencies to private pharmaceutical distributors.
QWhat is the average import order value for montelukast from India?
The average import transaction value for montelukast from India is $26.2K, with an average unit price of $10.60 per unit. Order sizes vary significantly based on buyer type — government tenders tend to be larger while private distributors place more frequent smaller orders.
Buyer Segment Analysis
TransData Nexus Montelukast buyer market intelligence
1Buyer Segment Analysis
The importers of Montelukast from India can be categorized into several key segments:
1. Distributors: These entities purchase Montelukast in bulk to supply to various healthcare providers, pharmacies, and retailers. Their buying behavior is characterized by large-volume orders and a focus on cost-effectiveness to maintain competitive pricing. For instance, AMERISOURCE HEALTH SERVICES in the United States, with imports totaling $29.20 million, exemplifies this segment.
2. Pharmaceutical Companies: Companies like MACLEODS PHARMA USA, INC, which imported $25.30 million worth of Montelukast, may use the imported product for further processing, packaging, or direct distribution under their brand names. Their procurement patterns often involve consistent, large-scale purchases to meet production and market demands.
3. Hospital Groups and Healthcare Providers: These buyers procure Montelukast to meet the therapeutic needs of their patients. Their purchasing behavior is typically characterized by regular, moderate-sized orders aligned with patient demand and treatment protocols. While specific hospital groups are not listed among the top buyers, entities like THE CATHAY DRUG CO. INC in the Philippines, with imports of $4.16 million, may serve as suppliers to such institutions.
4. Government Procurement Agencies: Government bodies and international organizations often procure Montelukast through tenders to supply public health facilities and programs. Their buying patterns are influenced by public health policies, disease prevalence, and budget allocations. Although specific government agencies are not detailed in the top buyers, the presence of countries like the Philippines and Sri Lanka among the top importers suggests active government procurement.
5. Re-exporters: Some companies import Montelukast with the intent to re-export to other markets. Their purchasing behavior is driven by global market demands and trade agreements. Specific re-exporters are not identified in the provided data.
6. Contract Manufacturers: These entities import Montelukast to manufacture finished pharmaceutical products on behalf of other companies. Their procurement is typically large-scale and consistent, aligned with contractual obligations. While not explicitly listed, companies like UNICHEM PHARMACEUTICALS (USA) INC., with imports totaling $6.34 million, may operate in this capacity.
Country-Specific Import Regulations
TransData Nexus Montelukast buyer market intelligence
1Country-Specific Import Regulations
Understanding the import regulations for Montelukast in the top importing countries is crucial for market entry and compliance.
1. United States:
2. Philippines:
3. Sri Lanka:
4. United Kingdom:
5. South Africa:
Demand Drivers & Market Opportunity
TransData Nexus Montelukast buyer market intelligence
1Demand Drivers & Market Opportunity
The demand for Montelukast in importing countries is influenced by several factors:
1. Disease Prevalence: Montelukast is primarily used to manage asthma and allergic rhinitis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), asthma affected an estimated 262 million people globally in 2019, leading to 461,000 deaths. The high prevalence of respiratory conditions in countries like the United States and the Philippines drives the demand for effective treatments like Montelukast.
2. Government Healthcare Programs and Universal Health Coverage (UHC): Many countries are expanding their healthcare programs to achieve UHC, increasing access to essential medicines. For instance, the Philippines' Universal Health Care Act, enacted in 2019, aims to provide equitable access to quality and affordable health services, including essential medications. Such initiatives boost the procurement and distribution of drugs like Montelukast.
3. WHO Essential Medicines List (EML) Procurement: Montelukast is included in the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, which guides countries in selecting medicines for their national formularies. Inclusion in the EML encourages governments and healthcare organizations to prioritize its procurement, ensuring wider availability.
4. Tender-Based Purchasing: Many countries and international organizations procure pharmaceuticals through tender systems to ensure cost-effectiveness and supply chain efficiency. For example, the WHO's Global Fund often utilizes tendering processes to procure medicines for large-scale health programs. Such mechanisms create substantial market opportunities for Montelukast suppliers.
With 1,324 buyers across 138 countries, the global market for Montelukast presents significant opportunities. Understanding the regulatory landscapes, demand drivers, and procurement mechanisms in key importing countries is essential for stakeholders aiming to navigate and succeed in this market.
Official References & Regulatory Resources
- European Medicines Agency
- WHO Essential Medicines
- Invest India — Pharma Sector
- India Trade Statistics (DGFT)
Verify import regulations and drug registration requirements with the official agencies above.
Research Methodology & Data Transparency
Suresh Sormare
Verified AuthorPharmaceutical Export-Import Analyst & Trade Intelligence Expert
Suresh Sormare is a pharmaceutical export-import analyst with deep expertise in Indian Customs (DGFT) data, HS code classification, and global pharmaceutical supply chains. His analysis covers 10M+ shipment records across 150+ countries and is used by manufacturers, procurement agencies, and trade consultants worldwide. Suresh specializes in identifying verified suppliers and buyers from customs records, mapping bilateral pharmaceutical trade corridors, analyzing tariff structures and regulatory frameworks across 170+ destination markets, and benchmarking competitive positioning for finished pharmaceutical formulations. His methodology combines granular customs transaction data with regulatory intelligence from FDA, EMA, WHO, CDSCO, and 40+ national drug authorities to deliver actionable trade insights for the pharmaceutical formulations sector.
linkedin.com/in/sureshsormarePrimary Data Source
All trade data is sourced from Indian Customs (DGFT) official shipping bill records — the authoritative government database for India's pharmaceutical trade. Each verified record contains exporter name, consignee (buyer) name, detailed product description, quantity, declared FOB value (USD), port of loading, destination country, and shipment date.
Analysis Methodology
- 1.Buyer Identification: 1324 global importers of Montelukast identified from consignee fields in DGFT shipping bill records.
- 2.Import Value Analysis: Total import value aggregated from 6,431 individual shipping bill records. Values are FOB in USD.
- 3.Statistical Normalization: Shipment values are statistically normalized to ensure accurate market share representation.
- 4.Geographic Distribution: Buyer imports distributed across 138 destination countries with market share per buyer calculated from capped values.
Government-Sourced Data
Official DGFT customs records
Transparent Methodology
Calculations fully disclosed above
6,431 Verified Shipments
1324 buyers tracked
Expert-Reviewed
By pharmaceutical trade specialists
