Pfizer Prepares for Potential Pharma Tariffs Under Second Trump Administration

• Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla stated that the company is prepared to shift more pharmaceutical production to the U.S. if tariffs are imposed under a second Trump administration.

• The company currently operates 13 U.S. manufacturing sites and could transfer production from international facilities if necessary.

Pfizer is prepared to adapt if pharmaceutical tariffs are introduced under a second Trump administration, CEO Albert Bourla, Ph.D., said at TD Cowen’s 45th annual healthcare conference in Boston. The company already operates 13 manufacturing sites across the U.S. and could transfer additional production into the country if required.

Bourla’s remarks come amid industry-wide uncertainty over the potential impact of new trade policies. In February, former President Donald Trump announced plans to impose pharmaceutical tariffs starting at 25% or higher on imports. While no specific timeline has been provided, Trump acknowledged that drugmakers would need time to establish domestic manufacturing operations.

Pfizer’s existing infrastructure includes several “megasites” for sterile injectables and antibody production, which Bourla highlighted as a strength. “We have all the capabilities here, and the manufacturing sites are operating in good capacity right now,” he said. “But if something happens, we will try to mitigate by transferring from manufacturing sites outside to manufacturing sites here.”

Bourla’s stance on the new administration remains pragmatic. He previously suggested that Trump’s return to the White House could offer more opportunities than risks for the pharmaceutical industry. Meanwhile, other drugmakers, including Eli Lilly, are already ramping up domestic production. Lilly recently announced a $27 billion investment in four new U.S. manufacturing plants.

Source: Fierce Pharma