3. Impact of outsourcing strategies

The outsourcing strategies implemented in the pharmaceutical sector in the 2000s are at the root of current supply chain vulnerabilities. The Covid-19 pandemic only served to highlight these weaknesses, which were already well known to healthcare professionals. Indeed, since 2010, drug shortages have been steadily increasing. These shortages can be explained by a number of factors, not least the forecasting difficulties associated with market uncertainty and the growing unpredictability of epidemics.

Another disruptive factor is the discontinuation of certain products. At a time when Europe occupies a dominant position in the world drug trade, accounting for 75% of global exports, the situation is paradoxical.