AstraZeneca has announced plans to invest US$50 billion in the United States by 2030, marking a significant expansion of its manufacturing and research operations in the country. This move positions the UK-based pharmaceutical giant among several European drugmakers accelerating U.S. investments amid growing concerns over possible import tariffs on pharmaceuticals.
The planned investment includes US$4 billion for a new facility in Virginia, which will manufacture treatments for chronic diseases. The announcement was made by Kevin Hassett, Director of the U.S. National Economic Council, during an event in Washington, DC on July 21.
“With the completion of this investment, substantially all of AstraZeneca’s pharmaceuticals sold in the United States will be produced domestically,” Hassett stated.
This expansion follows AstraZeneca’s previous commitment, announced in November shortly after former President Trump’s election, to invest US$3.5 billion in the U.S. by 2026. At the time, the company emphasized its U.S. workforce of nearly 18,000 employees.
The move comes as several European pharmaceutical companies ramp up their U.S. presence, potentially to shield themselves from upcoming tariffs. Novartis announced a US$23 billion investment, Roche Holding pledged US$50 billion, and Sanofi committed to spending at least US$20 billion in the U.S. by 2030.
AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot, who has led the company since 2012, has urged U.S. policymakers to reconsider tariffs on pharmaceuticals. He has advocated for tax incentives instead, arguing they are more effective in attracting investment in drug development and manufacturing.
Trump has floated several timelines for implementing tariffs, with the latest suggesting that duties—possibly as high as 200%—could begin as early as August 1, following a one-year grace period for companies to localize production.
While strengthening AstraZeneca’s U.S. presence, the investment plan has sparked concerns in the UK about the company’s long-term commitment to its home country. Soriot has criticized the UK’s regulatory environment, warning that it may hinder competitiveness compared to the U.S. and China.
Earlier this year, AstraZeneca scrapped plans for a £450 million vaccine manufacturing facility in Liverpool. The company currently operates 17 manufacturing sites across 12 U.S. states, with substantial investments in research, development, and sales infrastructure.
In parallel, reports suggest that Soriot is considering relocating AstraZeneca’s stock market listing to the U.S.—a move that could deal a significant blow to the London Stock Exchange, which has already seen a number of high-profile company departures.
Despite these strategic shifts, AstraZeneca continues to grow its global footprint. It is building a US$1.5 billion manufacturing facility in Singapore, expected to be operational by 2029, and is also reportedly being courted by Beijing for further investment, even as regulatory scrutiny continues in China.
Under Soriot’s leadership, AstraZeneca’s market value has more than tripled. The company has established itself as a global leader in oncology, while also expanding its pipeline in cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic diseases.