Global value chains, import orientation, and the state: South Africa’s pharmaceutical industry

Abstract As opposed to the predominant focus of global value chain (GVC) research on export-oriented contexts, this article examines prospects for development in places where dominant form engagement with GVCs is import-oriented. Through case South Africa’s pharmaceutical industry, analysis demonstrates challenge local manufacturing compete, and associated state policy responses, a place which largely plugged into as an end market rather than production location. multinationals have concentrated elsewhere, capacity industry has relatively declined recent decades. Having struggled its facilitator role, African state’s efforts promote turned producer role through state-owned company especially buyer public procurement. Motivations context, however, must navigate tension sometimes exists between industrial interest consumer health access medicines. The experience points wider consequences import-oriented development.