Core Viewpoint - Zhangshu City, with over 1,800 years of history, is recognized for its rich traditional Chinese medicine culture and has established itself as a significant hub for the pharmaceutical industry in China, actively promoting the development of its traditional Chinese medicine sector [3][4]. Group 1: Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry - The area dedicated to traditional Chinese medicine cultivation in Zhangshu exceeds 500,000 acres, focusing on local medicinal materials with three geographical indication products [4]. - Zhangshu has established a comprehensive industrial development pattern integrating production, processing, sales, and research in the pharmaceutical sector [3][4]. - The city has approved 24 enterprises to use the geographical indication logo for "Qingjiang Zhihuo" and 16 for "Zhangshu Huangzhizi" [4]. Group 2: Pharmaceutical Industry Growth - In 2024, Zhangshu is expected to add over 30 new pharmaceutical companies, bringing the total to more than 500, with 101 of them being large-scale industrial enterprises [5]. - Major projects from well-known companies like Disainuo and Huiren Group have settled in Zhangshu, contributing to the local pharmaceutical landscape [5]. - The city has 13 national protected varieties of traditional Chinese medicine and 4 well-known trademarks [5]. Group 3: Innovation and Research - Zhangshu has been selected for the second batch of innovative county (city) construction by the Ministry of Science and Technology, marking a breakthrough in national-level platform development [6]. - The city collaborates with institutions like the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine for research and development [6]. - There are 413 drug approval documents for traditional Chinese medicine and chemical drugs, with 27 drug varieties under research [6]. Group 4: Cultural Heritage and Community Engagement - Zhangshu has 13 items of intangible cultural heritage related to traditional Chinese medicine, with 2 recognized at the national level [7]. - The city has established a comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine service system, ensuring that every town has a medical facility [7]. - The "Zhangbang" traditional Chinese medicine street has served over 90,000 people through various health services [7]. Group 5: Traditional Medicine Processing Techniques - The "Zhangbang" traditional medicine processing technique is unique and has been promoted through educational initiatives [8]. - By May 2025, 33 varieties of traditional Chinese medicine processing standards will be included in the revised Jiangxi Province processing regulations [8]. Group 6: Pharmaceutical Distribution System - Zhangshu has 97 pharmaceutical distribution companies, accounting for one-third of the total in Jiangxi Province [8]. - The city is developing modern pharmaceutical logistics bases to enhance distribution efficiency [8]. Group 7: Zhangshu Pharmaceutical Trade Fair - The 56th Zhangshu Pharmaceutical Trade Fair attracted over 1,000 participating companies and generated a contract signing amount of 8.58 billion yuan [9]. - The fair featured 180 exhibiting companies and covered an area of 20,000 square meters, showcasing various sectors of the pharmaceutical industry [9].

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese herbal medicine market has experienced extreme price fluctuations over the past two years, resembling a "roller coaster," which disrupts the stability of the industry chain and harms the interests of farmers, enterprises, and patients. There is a call for enhanced price monitoring and market regulation to promote stable development in the industry [1]. Price Volatility - The price of cat's claw grass has seen dramatic fluctuations, rising from 70-80 yuan per kilogram to 1100 yuan in March 2023, and then plummeting to 46 yuan [2]. - Major herbs like astragalus, codonopsis, and angelica have also seen average price declines of about 40%, with prices for codonopsis dropping from 120 yuan to around 50 yuan per kilogram [2]. - The China Traditional Chinese Medicine Price Index indicates a continuous decline in herbal prices since July 2024, following a significant increase of 31% from 1702.86 points to 2227.69 points in the previous year [2]. Industry Challenges - Farmers face high risks due to information asymmetry and "blind planting," leading to losses when prices drop after a period of high prices [4]. - For instance, a farmer in Gansu reported a loss of 800 yuan per mu due to low yields and high costs [4]. - The volatility in prices disrupts production and operational rhythms for herbal medicine companies, leading to rapid devaluation of inventory and profit erosion [4]. Calls for Improvement - The industry is urged to enhance quality, control production volume, and extend the value chain to stabilize the market [5]. - Legal measures are being implemented to protect local herbal varieties, such as the new regulations in Gansu aimed at establishing a traceability system using IoT and blockchain technology [6]. - There is a push for increased organizational capacity within the industry, promoting cooperative models to improve risk resistance and market stability [7]. - Branding strategies are recommended to elevate the value of herbal products, drawing on successful practices from other industries [7].