[Bio USA] Chinese Firms Return After Sensing 'Growth Limits'... Korean Industry Urged to Stay Vigilant

Despite US-China Trade Tensions, Many Chinese Pharmaceutical and Biotech Companies Participate
"If We Fall Behind, the Gap Widens... Korean Companies Also Need Transformative Change"

There have been calls for the Korean pharmaceutical and biotech industry to remain vigilant as Chinese companies return to the 2025 BIO International Convention (BIO USA) held in Boston, USA. Experts warn that unless there are transformative changes, the gap between the two countries in the bio sector will inevitably widen.

From June 16 to 19 (local time), Yang Wei, marketing manager of HitGen, a Chinese DNA-encoded compound library company that set up a booth at the 2025 BIO International Convention (BIO USA) held in Boston, USA, explained the achievements at BIO USA. Photo by Choi Taewon

According to industry sources on June 20, a total of 23 organizations and companies, including the China Chamber of International Commerce, HitGen, and Dymics, set up booths at the China Pavilion, which was located at the center of the BIO USA exhibition hall from June 16 to 19 (local time). This is in stark contrast to expectations that Chinese pharmaceutical and biotech companies would largely boycott BIO USA again this year, as they did last year, due to ongoing tensions between the United States and China.

The main reasons cited for the return of Chinese companies to BIO USA include the ongoing political conflict and industrial decoupling, as well as a growing recognition that there are limits to growth without targeting the global market.

Lee Seungkyu, Vice Chairman of the Korea Biotechnology Industry Organization, explained, "There is increasing discussion about the need to separate politics from industry when considering the Chinese market. In terms of investment in innovative technologies and securing highly skilled talent from outside, it is clear that China also needs to expand into the global market." He added, "Against this backdrop, it seems that Chinese companies have participated in BIO USA even though no agreement has been reached between the US and China."

The response of global pharmaceutical and biotech companies to the Chinese participants has also been positive. Yang Wei, marketing manager of HitGen, a Chinese DNA-encoded compound library company, said, "We held about 40 to 50 meetings during BIO USA. Around 50 people visited for consultations without prior appointments," adding, "We had far more meetings than last year, and the feedback has also been positive."

A representative from Dymics, an artificial intelligence (AI) drug discovery company, also stated, "We held more than 40 meetings. The number of meetings increased compared to last year, and there was a lot of positive feedback. We plan to continue maintaining good relationships with our clients going forward."

Experts unanimously agree that Korean companies must respond quickly to these changes and movements among Chinese firms. Vice Chairman Lee emphasized, "Both the Korean government and companies need to be alert to China's renewed push to enter the global market. In the bio industry, once you fall behind, the gap only widens. What is needed is not incremental improvement, but transformative, reform-level change."

A market intelligence manager at a domestic contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) also commented, "For now, the global situation and US policies are favorable for the Korean pharmaceutical and biotech industry. While these advantages last, we must fully leverage favorable factors such as expanding manufacturing facilities in the US to secure competitiveness."