
Global Nervous System Chemicals Market Insights, Size, and Forecast By Chemical Type (Neurotransmitters, Neuroprotective Agents, Neuromodulators, Neurotrophic Factors), By Formulation Type (Injectables, Tablets, Capsules, Topical), By End Use (Hospitals, Clinics, Homecare, Pharmaceutical Companies), By Therapeutic Application (Psychiatric Disorders, Neurological Disorders, Pain Management, Cognitive Disorders), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa), Key Companies, Competitive Analysis, Trends, and Projections for 2026-2035
Key Market Insights
Global Nervous System Chemicals Market is projected to grow from USD 215.8 Billion in 2025 to USD 388.5 Billion by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 7.6% from 2026 through 2035. This comprehensive market encompasses a diverse range of chemical compounds, including neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, neurotrophic factors, and various pharmaceutical agents designed to target neurological and psychiatric conditions. The market’s expansion is primarily fueled by the escalating global prevalence of neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Advances in neuropharmacology, leading to the development of novel and more effective therapeutics, also act as a significant driver. Furthermore, increasing healthcare expenditure, a growing geriatric population more susceptible to neurodegenerative diseases, and rising awareness about mental health contribute substantially to market growth. However, the market faces restraints such as the high cost of drug development, stringent regulatory approval processes, and the potential for adverse side effects associated with some treatments. Despite these challenges, significant opportunities lie in personalized medicine approaches, gene therapies, and the development of targeted therapies for rare neurological disorders.
Global Nervous System Chemicals Market Value (USD Billion) Analysis, 2025-2035

2025 - 2035
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A key trend shaping the market is the shift towards biologics and advanced therapies, including monoclonal antibodies and gene therapies, offering more precise and durable treatment options. There is also a strong emphasis on combination therapies and repositioning existing drugs for new neurological indications. The dominant region in this market is North America, driven by robust research and development infrastructure, significant investment in healthcare, high adoption rates of advanced treatments, and a strong presence of key pharmaceutical companies. This region benefits from a well-established regulatory framework that supports innovation and market introduction of novel therapies. The fastest growing region is Asia Pacific, propelled by a rapidly expanding healthcare infrastructure, increasing disposable incomes, a large patient pool, and growing awareness regarding neurological and mental health conditions. Governments in countries within this region are also increasing their healthcare spending and promoting local pharmaceutical manufacturing, further accelerating market growth.
The competitive landscape is characterized by the presence of major global players such as Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Bayer, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Roche, AbbVie, Sanofi, H. Lundbeck, Biogen, and Eli Lilly. These companies are actively engaged in strategic initiatives including mergers and acquisitions, collaborations, and significant investments in research and development to expand their product portfolios and geographical reach. Their strategies focus on developing novel drugs with improved efficacy and reduced side effects, investing in clinical trials for new indications, and forming strategic partnerships to leverage specialized expertise and accelerate market entry. Continuous innovation in drug delivery systems and a focus on pipeline diversification are also crucial elements of their strategies to maintain a competitive edge and address unmet medical needs in the nervous system chemicals market.
Quick Stats
Market Size (2025):
USD 215.8 BillionProjected Market Size (2035):
USD 388.5 BillionLeading Segment:
Psychiatric Disorders (38.5% Share)Dominant Region (2025):
North America (38.2% Share)CAGR (2026-2035):
7.6%
Global Nervous System Chemicals Market Emerging Trends and Insights
Neurotransmitter Precision Therapies Surging
The global nervous system chemicals market is witnessing a surge in neurotransmitter precision therapies, moving beyond broad acting drugs to targeted interventions. This trend reflects a deepened understanding of specific neurotransmitter imbalances contributing to neurological and psychiatric disorders. Instead of a shotgun approach, researchers are developing molecules that modulate particular receptors or pathways of a single neurotransmitter like serotonin, dopamine, or glutamate. This precision aims to minimize off target side effects and enhance therapeutic efficacy for conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease. The focus is on fine tuning neural circuits with highly selective compounds, promising more effective and personalized treatment options and fostering innovative drug discovery strategies within the pharmaceutical industry.
Psychedelic Medicines Reshaping Mental Health
Psychedelic medicines are revolutionizing mental healthcare by leveraging their unique ability to induce profound, often mystical experiences that facilitate deep psychological processing. Compounds like psilocybin and MDMA are being repurposed and researched for treating stubborn conditions such as PTSD, severe depression, and anxiety. This trend reflects a paradigm shift from symptomatic management to addressing underlying trauma and psychological roots.
Clinical trials demonstrate impressive efficacy, with many patients experiencing sustained remission after just a few guided sessions. The mechanism involves increasing brain neuroplasticity and fostering new perspectives, essentially "resetting" negative thought patterns. This approach offers a promising alternative to conventional pharmacotherapies, which often require daily dosing and can have limited long term impact. As research progresses and regulatory frameworks adapt, these powerful compounds are poised to become transformative tools in mental health treatment globally.
Biomarker Driven Neurochemical Innovation
Biomarker driven neurochemical innovation signifies a profound shift in developing treatments for nervous system disorders. Traditionally, drug discovery relied on broad symptomatic improvement. Now, the focus is on identifying and targeting specific biological markers indicators of disease presence, progression, or therapeutic response. This trend leverages advanced diagnostics and genomics to understand the precise neurochemical imbalances or pathological pathways at play in conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or depression.
Pharmaceutical companies are investing heavily in research to discover novel compounds that modulate these identified biomarkers with high specificity. This approach promises more effective therapies with fewer side effects by precisely addressing the underlying disease mechanisms rather than just alleviating symptoms. It fosters the development of personalized medicine for neurological and psychiatric conditions, leading to a new era of targeted neurochemical interventions.
What are the Key Drivers Shaping the Global Nervous System Chemicals Market
Rising Neurological Disorder Prevalence & Diagnostic Advancements
The increasing global prevalence of neurological disorders is a significant driver for the nervous system chemicals market. Conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and various mental health disorders are affecting a growing segment of the population, particularly as the global population ages. This rise necessitates more effective therapeutic interventions and diagnostic tools. Simultaneously, advancements in neuroscience and medical technology are leading to improved understanding of these complex conditions. Enhanced diagnostic capabilities enable earlier and more accurate identification of neurological disorders, driving demand for specific diagnostic agents and initiating earlier treatment. Furthermore, ongoing research is yielding novel drug targets and treatment modalities, translating into a continuous need for new and specialized nervous system chemicals for both diagnosis and therapy. This combined effect of increasing disease burden and improved medical capabilities fuels substantial growth in the market.
Expanding Investment in Neuropharmacology R&D and Drug Discovery
Expanding investment in neuropharmacology research and development, alongside drug discovery, is a significant driver in the global nervous system chemicals market. This increased financial commitment from pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and government bodies fuels the exploration of novel targets and mechanisms within the central and peripheral nervous systems. Resources are being channeled into understanding complex neurological and psychiatric disorders like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, depression, and schizophrenia at a molecular level. This investment accelerates the identification and synthesis of new chemical entities, development of innovative therapeutic approaches, and the subsequent demand for specialized chemicals crucial for synthesis, testing, and manufacturing. It directly translates to a richer pipeline of drugs, driving market growth.
Increasing Adoption of Personalized Medicine & Biomarker-Driven Therapies
The shift towards personalized medicine and biomarker driven therapies significantly propels the global nervous system chemicals market. This approach tailors treatments to an individual’s genetic makeup disease subtype and specific biomarkers leading to more effective and targeted interventions for neurological disorders. Instead of a one size fits all method personalized medicine utilizes diagnostic tools to identify specific chemical imbalances or genetic predispositions within the nervous system. This precision medicine necessitates a diverse array of specialized chemicals including novel pharmaceuticals gene therapies and sophisticated diagnostic reagents to address the unique pathological pathways identified. The development and increasing use of these highly specific chemicals for conditions like Alzheimer's Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis fuels research investment and product innovation driving market expansion.
Global Nervous System Chemicals Market Restraints
Stringent Regulatory Hurdles for Novel Neuro-Chemicals
Introducing new neurochemicals to the global market faces significant challenges due to stringent regulatory hurdles. Developing these novel compounds requires extensive preclinical testing to assess efficacy and safety, including detailed pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies. Subsequent human clinical trials involve multiple phases, each demanding rigorous ethical review and data collection on safety, dosage, and effectiveness. Regulators meticulously scrutinize every stage, from manufacturing processes to long term side effects, to ensure patient safety and product quality. This comprehensive validation process is exceptionally time consuming and capital intensive. Companies must navigate a complex web of national and international regulations, often requiring country specific approvals. This prolonged and costly development pathway significantly impedes the entry of innovative neurochemicals, limiting market access and delaying therapeutic advancements for neurological conditions.
High R&D Costs and Protracted Development Timelines
Developing novel nervous system chemicals is a formidable challenge due to the intrinsically complex nature of the brain and its intricate biochemical pathways. Research and development expenses are exceptionally high, encompassing years of preclinical investigation and rigorous clinical trials across multiple phases. This protracted development timeline is further exacerbated by the stringent regulatory approval processes required globally, demanding extensive safety and efficacy data before a new compound can reach patients. The high attrition rate of drug candidates in development means that only a small fraction of initially promising molecules successfully navigate this arduous path. Consequently, pharmaceutical companies face substantial financial risks and extended periods without return on investment, making entry for new players difficult and limiting the pace of innovation within the market.
Global Nervous System Chemicals Market Opportunities
Unlocking Neurodegenerative Therapies: The Demand for Disease-Modifying Nervous System Chemicals
The global healthcare landscape faces an urgent need for effective treatments targeting neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS. Current therapies predominantly offer symptomatic relief, failing to halt or reverse disease progression. This critical gap presents a truly monumental opportunity for the development and commercialization of disease-modifying nervous system chemicals. As global populations age, particularly in rapidly developing regions, the incidence of these debilitating conditions is surging, creating immense pressure for innovative solutions. Pharmaceutical and biotech companies are now intensely focused on discovering and synthesizing novel compounds that can directly intervene in the pathological pathways underlying neurodegeneration. This pursuit represents a vital frontier in medical science, promising not only significant patient improvement but also substantial market returns for pioneering entities. The demand for therapies that truly alter disease course, rather than just manage symptoms, is colossal, driving significant investment and research into this high-impact area within nervous system chemicals.
The Mental Health Epidemic: Novel Neurochemical Pathways for Psychiatric Treatment
The global mental health epidemic fuels a compelling opportunity within the nervous system chemicals market. A pervasive rise in psychiatric disorders worldwide necessitates groundbreaking therapeutic approaches beyond conventional treatments. This critical demand drives immense investment into exploring novel neurochemical pathways for psychiatric treatment. By unraveling new neurotransmitter systems, receptor mechanisms, and signaling cascades, researchers can pinpoint advanced targets for drug development. This exploration promises the creation of next generation pharmaceuticals offering enhanced efficacy, fewer side effects, and effective solutions for currently untreatable conditions. Such pioneering drug discoveries will capture significant market share and reshape mental healthcare. The Asia Pacific region, experiencing rapid growth and increasing healthcare access, presents a particularly robust and expanding market for these innovative neurochemical therapies, amplifying the opportunity for companies developing these essential compounds to address a profound global health challenge.
Global Nervous System Chemicals Market Segmentation Analysis
Key Market Segments
By Chemical Type
- •Neurotransmitters
- •Neuroprotective Agents
- •Neuromodulators
- •Neurotrophic Factors
By Therapeutic Application
- •Psychiatric Disorders
- •Neurological Disorders
- •Pain Management
- •Cognitive Disorders
By Formulation Type
- •Injectables
- •Tablets
- •Capsules
- •Topical
By End Use
- •Hospitals
- •Clinics
- •Homecare
- •Pharmaceutical Companies
Segment Share By Chemical Type
Share, By Chemical Type, 2025 (%)
- Neurotransmitters
- Neuroprotective Agents
- Neuromodulators
- Neurotrophic Factors

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Why is Therapeutic Application for Psychiatric Disorders dominating the Global Nervous System Chemicals Market?
The substantial global prevalence of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia drives immense demand for effective pharmaceutical interventions. This segment’s leading position, commanding a significant market share, underscores the ongoing need for advanced therapeutics to manage symptoms and improve patient quality of life. Increased diagnosis rates, improved access to mental healthcare, and the chronic nature of many psychiatric illnesses further solidify its market prominence, necessitating long term treatment solutions.
Which Chemical Type segment is critical for advancing treatments across neurological spectrums?
Neurotransmitters are a foundational chemical type, crucial for modulating brain function and treating a wide array of neurological and psychiatric disorders. These agents directly influence mood, cognition, and behavior, making them indispensable in therapies for conditions like depression, ADHD, and Parkinson’s disease. Their direct involvement in neural communication pathways ensures their continued relevance and development in creating more targeted and effective therapeutic options for complex nervous system ailments.
How do End Use segments like Hospitals and Clinics shape the distribution and consumption of nervous system chemicals?
Hospitals and clinics serve as primary points of diagnosis, treatment initiation, and specialized care for patients suffering from nervous system disorders, positioning them as major end users. These institutional settings facilitate immediate access to a broad range of formulations, including injectables for acute conditions and specialized medications requiring close medical supervision. Their role in managing chronic conditions and overseeing initial prescriptions significantly impacts the volume and type of nervous system chemicals consumed across the healthcare landscape.
Global Nervous System Chemicals Market Regulatory and Policy Environment Analysis
The global nervous system chemicals market navigates a stringent and evolving regulatory landscape. National and supranational health authorities, including the FDA, EMA, and PMDA, enforce rigorous drug approval processes, demanding extensive preclinical and clinical data to establish safety, efficacy, and quality. Manufacturing facilities must adhere strictly to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure product consistency and integrity. Pricing and reimbursement policies vary significantly by country, often involving health technology assessments that influence market access and uptake. Intellectual property protection remains critical, stimulating research and development but facing regional variations. Regulations surrounding controlled substances are particularly strict for certain nervous system chemicals due to their abuse potential. Data privacy rules, like GDPR, increasingly impact clinical trial conduct and patient information management. Governments globally are also promoting innovation through initiatives like orphan drug designations, while simultaneously tightening post market surveillance and pharmacovigilance requirements to monitor long term safety. Harmonization efforts across regions aim to streamline development, yet significant divergences in regulatory requirements persist, posing challenges for global market entry and expansion.
Which Emerging Technologies Are Driving New Trends in the Market?
The Global Nervous System Chemicals market is being profoundly reshaped by continuous innovation. Advanced gene editing technologies like CRISPR offer unprecedented precision for treating genetic neurological disorders, moving beyond symptomatic relief towards potential cures. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are revolutionizing drug discovery, rapidly identifying novel therapeutic targets and optimizing compound design for complex conditions such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and schizophrenia.
Personalized medicine approaches, driven by pharmacogenomics and biomarker identification, are enabling tailored treatments that enhance efficacy and minimize adverse reactions. Emerging therapeutics focusing on neuroinflammation are gaining traction, recognizing its pivotal role across many neurological and psychiatric illnesses. Furthermore, the development of novel small molecules and biologics that selectively modulate specific neurotransmitter pathways is leading to more targeted and effective interventions for mood disorders, anxiety, and epilepsy. Psychedelic assisted therapies are also emerging as a promising frontier for mental health treatment. These technological advancements are pivotal to future market expansion.
Global Nervous System Chemicals Market Regional Analysis
Global Nervous System Chemicals Market
Trends, by Region

North America Market
Revenue Share, 2025
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Dominant Region
North America · 38.2% share
North America stands as the dominant region in the Global Nervous System Chemicals market, capturing a significant 38.2% market share. This leadership is driven by several key factors. The region boasts advanced healthcare infrastructure and high patient awareness regarding neurological disorders. Strong research and development activities, particularly in the United States, foster innovation and the introduction of novel nervous system chemicals. Furthermore, favorable regulatory environments for drug development and commercialization contribute to market growth. A robust pharmaceutical industry with leading global players headquartered in North America also plays a crucial role. High disposable incomes and a strong emphasis on specialized healthcare further solidify North America's leading position in this vital market segment.
Fastest Growing Region
Asia Pacific · 9.2% CAGR
Asia Pacific is poised to be the fastest growing region in the global nervous system chemicals market, projected to expand at a compelling CAGR of 9.2% from 2026 to 2035. This remarkable growth is fueled by several key factors. The region is experiencing a significant rise in neurological disorders, including depression, anxiety, and neurodegenerative diseases, driven by an aging population and changing lifestyles. Increased healthcare expenditure across emerging economies is improving access to advanced treatments and diagnostics. Furthermore, a burgeoning middle class with greater disposable income is contributing to higher demand for specialized nervous system drugs. Growing awareness about mental health issues and reduced stigma surrounding their treatment are also propelling market expansion. Local pharmaceutical companies are increasingly investing in research and development, introducing innovative and affordable nervous system chemical solutions tailored to regional needs.
Impact of Geopolitical and Macroeconomic Factors
Geopolitical tensions fuel demand for neurological chemicals, as conflict zones and humanitarian crises elevate stress and trauma related disorders. Government spending on mental health infrastructure in developed nations is rising, creating a stable but competitive environment. However, supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical friction, particularly affecting active pharmaceutical ingredients from Asia, pose significant risks. Trade disputes and intellectual property theft concerns also impact market access and innovation, especially for specialized treatments. The rise of biotech hubs in geopolitically stable regions could mitigate some of these risks.
Macroeconomic factors exert considerable influence. Inflationary pressures increase manufacturing costs and erode purchasing power, potentially limiting access to expensive therapies. However, aging global populations and rising awareness of neurological conditions ensure a growing underlying demand. Healthcare expenditure as a percentage of GDP is steadily increasing in many economies, supporting market expansion. Economic downturns could lead to cuts in public healthcare budgets, but the essential nature of these chemicals provides some resilience. Exchange rate fluctuations significantly impact companies with global manufacturing and sales footprints.
Recent Developments
- March 2025
Pfizer and Biogen announced a strategic partnership to co-develop and co-commercialize a novel gene therapy for a rare neurological disorder. This collaboration aims to accelerate the therapy's clinical trials and market access, leveraging both companies' expertise in neuroscience and biologics.
- July 2024
Eli Lilly launched a new serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) for the treatment of major depressive disorder, following accelerated FDA approval. The new drug boasts a unique receptor binding profile, offering potentially faster onset of action and improved tolerability compared to existing treatments.
- November 2024
AbbVie completed its acquisition of a promising small biotechnology company specializing in G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) modulators for chronic pain. This acquisition significantly expands AbbVie's pipeline in pain management with several preclinical and early-stage clinical assets.
- February 2025
Roche unveiled a new diagnostic platform designed to detect early biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease using a simple blood test. This strategic initiative aims to revolutionize early diagnosis and patient stratification for emerging disease-modifying therapies, enhancing the effectiveness of future treatments.
Key Players Analysis
Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and Roche lead the Global Nervous System Chemicals Market through extensive R&D in small molecules and biologics. Companies like Teva and AbbVie focus on generics and biosimilars, expanding accessibility. Strategic acquisitions and collaborations drive innovation, while partnerships with academic institutions accelerate drug discovery. The rising prevalence of neurological disorders and advancements in personalized medicine are key market growth drivers.
List of Key Companies:
- Pfizer
- Johnson & Johnson
- Bayer
- Teva Pharmaceutical Industries
- Roche
- AbbVie
- Sanofi
- H. Lundbeck
- Biogen
- Eli Lilly
- GSK
- Mylan
- Merck & Co
- Novartis
- AstraZeneca
Report Scope and Segmentation
| Report Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Market Size (2025) | USD 215.8 Billion |
| Forecast Value (2035) | USD 388.5 Billion |
| CAGR (2026-2035) | 7.6% |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Historical Period | 2020-2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2035 |
| Segments Covered |
|
| Regional Analysis |
|
Table of Contents:
List of Figures
List of Tables
Table 1: Global Nervous System Chemicals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Chemical Type, 2020-2035
Table 2: Global Nervous System Chemicals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Therapeutic Application, 2020-2035
Table 3: Global Nervous System Chemicals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Formulation Type, 2020-2035
Table 4: Global Nervous System Chemicals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 5: Global Nervous System Chemicals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Region, 2020-2035
Table 6: North America Nervous System Chemicals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Chemical Type, 2020-2035
Table 7: North America Nervous System Chemicals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Therapeutic Application, 2020-2035
Table 8: North America Nervous System Chemicals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Formulation Type, 2020-2035
Table 9: North America Nervous System Chemicals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 10: North America Nervous System Chemicals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country, 2020-2035
Table 11: Europe Nervous System Chemicals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Chemical Type, 2020-2035
Table 12: Europe Nervous System Chemicals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Therapeutic Application, 2020-2035
Table 13: Europe Nervous System Chemicals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Formulation Type, 2020-2035
Table 14: Europe Nervous System Chemicals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 15: Europe Nervous System Chemicals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 16: Asia Pacific Nervous System Chemicals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Chemical Type, 2020-2035
Table 17: Asia Pacific Nervous System Chemicals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Therapeutic Application, 2020-2035
Table 18: Asia Pacific Nervous System Chemicals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Formulation Type, 2020-2035
Table 19: Asia Pacific Nervous System Chemicals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 20: Asia Pacific Nervous System Chemicals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 21: Latin America Nervous System Chemicals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Chemical Type, 2020-2035
Table 22: Latin America Nervous System Chemicals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Therapeutic Application, 2020-2035
Table 23: Latin America Nervous System Chemicals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Formulation Type, 2020-2035
Table 24: Latin America Nervous System Chemicals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 25: Latin America Nervous System Chemicals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 26: Middle East & Africa Nervous System Chemicals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Chemical Type, 2020-2035
Table 27: Middle East & Africa Nervous System Chemicals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Therapeutic Application, 2020-2035
Table 28: Middle East & Africa Nervous System Chemicals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Formulation Type, 2020-2035
Table 29: Middle East & Africa Nervous System Chemicals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 30: Middle East & Africa Nervous System Chemicals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
