Pfizer Prepared to Shift Manufacturing to US in Response to Potential Trump Tariffs

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla stated the company could quickly transfer production from foreign sites to its US manufacturing network if needed to mitigate potential tariffs1 5.

Pfizer currently has 13 manufacturing sites in the US, including some "mega sites" for sterile injectables and antibody production1 5 7.

Bourla made these comments at the TD Cowen Annual Health Care Conference in Boston1 5.

The statement comes after President Trump threatened pharmaceutical executives with tariffs if they continue manufacturing drugs abroad5.

Trump has proposed tariffs starting at 25% on pharmaceutical imports, which could go "very substantially higher" over time5 6.

Other pharmaceutical companies, like Eli Lilly, have also responded to tariff threats by investing in US manufacturing facilities5.

The potential tariffs are part of Trump's broader trade policy, which includes recent tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China8 9.

The pharmaceutical industry relies heavily on global supply chains, with concerns that tariffs could disrupt drug availability and increase costs4.

Industry groups are engaging with policymakers to seek exemptions for critical medicines and APIs4.

The impact of potential tariffs on the pharmaceutical industry remains uncertain, with analysts noting it could create challenges for smaller companies while larger firms with strong pipelines may be more insulated5.