AstraZeneca has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its business in the United States, despite looming risks from the Trump administration’s proposed tariffs on the pharmaceutical sector.
The company continues to focus on long-term investments, asserting that its strong manufacturing footprint and ongoing research and development efforts in the US will remain unaffected by the tariff threats.
The global pharmaceutical giant is determined to move forward with its plans to increase investment in both production and R&D in the US, with CEO Pascal Soriot stressing the firm’s ability to weather potential trade challenges.
However, the looming tariffs, which could significantly raise the cost of imported drugs, are a critical issue for both AstraZeneca and the broader pharmaceutical industry.
Navigating Tariff Risks
AstraZeneca has firmly stated its intention to continue expanding in the US, even in the face of potential tariffs of up to 25% on pharmaceutical imports. These tariffs, which US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened, would be part of broader trade measures targeting the pharmaceutical sector.
According to Soriot, the company’s robust and diverse revenue streams, coupled with its 11 US manufacturing sites, position AstraZeneca well to weather any trade-related disruptions.
The company currently generates around 40% of its sales in the US and has pledged to invest $3.5 billion in its American operations by the end of 2026. While the threat of tariffs looms, AstraZeneca’s strong market position and substantial US presence should help mitigate any potential impact on its operations.
According to the company, increased investment in US manufacturing and R&D will further strengthen its position in the American market, where it remains a key player in oncology and other therapeutic areas.
Financial Resilience Amidst Challenges
AstraZeneca’s financial results for the first quarter of 2025 highlight the company’s resilience despite external challenges. The drug maker reported a 10% increase in revenue compared to the same period last year, with a particularly strong performance from its oncology division, which saw a 13% increase in sales.
These results underscore the company’s ongoing ability to generate strong revenue, with the US remaining a critical market for AstraZeneca.
The company’s long-term revenue goals are also ambitious, with plans to reach $80 billion in annual revenue by 2030. According to Soriot, the company is “making excellent progress” toward this target, which would represent a substantial increase from the $54.1 billion it achieved in 2024.
