AstraZeneca Shifts Production, Expands US Investment Amid Tariff Threats

AstraZeneca is responding to the threat of potential U.S. tariffs on European medicine imports by shifting some production from Europe to its 11 existing U.S. facilities, thereby minimizing its exposure to trade disruptions. The company’s CEO, Pascal Soriot, emphasized that most medicines sold in the U.S. are already produced domestically, and mitigation strategies are in place for the minority still imported from Europe. AstraZeneca’s strong U.S. manufacturing footprint and diversified supply chains—including largely independent operations in China and the U.S.—offer resilience against geopolitical risks and tariff threats. Despite the possibility of tariffs up to 25%, AstraZeneca remains committed to expanding its U.S. investment in both production and R&D, pledging $3.5 billion by 2026. The company reported a 10% revenue increase in early 2025, underscoring its ability to weather trade-related challenges. This approach reflects a broader trend among foreign firms, which are increasingly investing in U.S. production to mitigate the impact of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.