Pfizer CEO Bourla Suggests Pharma Tariffs Will Focus on US Adversaries, Not Allies

Albert Bourla, the CEO of Pfizer, has expressed cautious optimism regarding the Trump administration's planned pharmaceutical tariffs, suggesting they will likely target countries that pose genuine national security risks rather than US allies3. This statement came during Pfizer's quarterly earnings call on April 29, 20251.

Key Facts

• Bourla stated he is "cautiously optimistic" about the White House's ongoing Section 232 investigation into pharmaceutical products
• The CEO believes tariffs will focus on imports from countries considered actual national security threats3
• Pfizer is maintaining its 2025 financial forecasts for now, despite tariff uncertainty1
• The company warned it cannot predict the full impact of potential tariffs or trade policy changes1
• Pfizer is closely monitoring trade policy shifts and the potential ripple effects of tariffs2

Broader Context

This development comes as pharmaceutical companies prepare for possible trade policy changes under the current administration. Other pharmaceutical companies are also taking steps to mitigate potential tariff impacts - notably, Daiichi Sankyo has indicated that its plans to expand manufacturing capabilities in the United States, including for its blockbuster drug Enhertu, will help alleviate some pressure from the planned presidential tariffs4.

The pharmaceutical industry remains vigilant as the Section 232 investigation continues, with companies adjusting their strategies while awaiting final decisions on which countries and products might be affected by new tariff policies.

Sources:

1. https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/pfizer-pharma-tariffs-232-bourla-optimistic/746583/

2. https://firstwordpharma.com/story/5955108

3. https://endpts.com/pfizers-bourla-projects-confidence-that-tariffs-will-focus-on-us-adversaries/

4. https://endpts.com