Portugal’s Green Boom: Medical Exports Nearly Triple as Nation Becomes Global Leader
Portugal isn’t just making waves in tourism and tech—it’s quietly becoming one of the world’s most powerful forces in medical plant exports.
In 2024, the country’s export volume of medicinal plant products surged to 32,558 kilograms, nearly tripling from the year before, according to Portugal’s National Authority for Medicines and Health Products (Infarmed). This explosive growth positions Portugal as Europe’s largest exporter in the category and second worldwide, trailing only behind Canada.
The Global Demand
Top export destinations include Germany, Spain, Poland, the United Kingdom, and Australia—all countries with expanding medical programs and growing demand for high-quality, regulated therapeutic products.
What makes Portugal unique is its combination of regulatory clarity, ideal climate for cultivation, and rapidly scaling infrastructure. While many nations struggle to align production with pharmaceutical-grade standards, Portugal has quietly and methodically built a foundation that’s winning international trust.
**Honeysuckle visits GMP certified facility Somai Pharmaceuticals in Lisbon
A Thriving Industry
As of early 2025, 41 companies are officially authorized for cultivation, 24 for manufacturing, and 15 for wholesale distribution. And that’s just the beginning.
Infarmed reports that another 150 businesses have already passed the initial documentation phase and are awaiting facility inspections to begin operations. These inspections hinge on meeting the country’s rigorous standards for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), a benchmark that has elevated Portugal's reputation as a hub for pharmaceutical-grade exports.
“Once those inspections are complete, we expect the industry to expand significantly,” said an Infarmed spokesperson, reinforcing that the current numbers only scratch the surface of what’s to come.
Why Portugal?
The country’s rise is no accident. Since decriminalizing all drugs in 2001, Portugal has taken a public health–driven approach to plant medicine. While recreational use remains illegal, the medical sector has flourished under clear government oversight and a strong export strategy.
The climate helps, too. Portugal’s southern sun and agricultural history create the perfect environment for large-scale, consistent cultivation. This mix of policy, geography, and professionalism is allowing Portugal to outpace older markets in both volume and quality.
Local Tension, Global Reach
Despite its success on the global stage, there remains domestic frustration. Many Portuguese citizens still face hurdles in accessing medical products themselves—creating tension between the country’s export triumph and its internal policy gridlock.
“This country grows some of the world’s best product, but locals can’t get it,” one resident commented on social media. Others are calling for legalization beyond just medical access, arguing that the export-driven focus prioritizes international profits over citizen wellbeing.
Still, the momentum is undeniable. With nearly three times the exports year-over-year and dozens more companies on the brink of entering the market, Portugal is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of the international therapeutic economy.
Looking Ahead
If 2024 was a year of acceleration, 2025 may mark a new phase of consolidation, global partnerships, and domestic policy evolution. With Europe as a whole ramping up access and demand, and Portugal already leading the supply chain, the country could help set the tone for how modern plant medicine is regulated, distributed, and accepted across borders.
For now, one thing is clear: Portugal has planted its flag—and the rest of the world is paying attention.
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