China TCM Monthly Tracker: Raw material prices down 15% YoY in 5M26, down 1% MoM in May
Report Coverage
- Broker
- UBS
- Region
- China
- Sector
- Healthcare & Biotech
- Report Type
- Economic Report
- Primary Focus
- TCM raw material price trends and cost impact on Chinese medicine companies
Report Summary
TCM raw material prices continued their downward trend, with the TCM Raw Materials Price Composite 200 Index falling 15% YoY in the first five months of 2026 and 1% MoM in May, driven by high inventories and sufficient production capacity. Imported donkey hide supply remains robust, suggesting no cost pressure for the e-jiao sector, while natural bezoar prices started to fall in H2 2025, potentially easing margin pressure for key products like Angong pills.
Key Takeaways
- TCM raw material costs account for ~70% of TCM companies' total COGS, and the persistent downtrend since H2 2024 is expected to benefit gross margins across the sector
- Imported donkey hide supply (proxied by whole equine hide/skin imports) remains robust in 2021-23 and YTD, indicating sufficient inventories for domestic e-jiao manufacturers; e-jiao trading prices have fallen 5% YoY YTD
- Natural bezoar prices began declining in H2 2025, which could ease gross margin pressure for Angong pills and Pian Zai Huang's liver lozenges
- Among TCM coverage, Dong-E E-Jiao is preferred for high earnings growth visibility and improving margins, while CR Sanjiu is favored for its diversified product portfolio and strong cost control
Why This Report Matters
Declining TCM raw material prices directly improve profit margins for major Chinese medicine companies, signaling a favorable cost environment for the sector through 2026.
Topics Covered
Companies Mentioned
Who this summary is for
This summary is for users researching the UBS China TCM Monthly Tracker report. It helps users review China TCM Monthly Tracker: Raw material prices down 15% YoY in 5M26, down 1% MoM in May coverage, key takeaways, and related broker or sector research paths across Traditional Chinese Medicine, Raw material prices, Healthcare sector; Dong-E E-Jiao, CR Sanjiu.
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