Global pharmaceutical leader AstraZeneca has unveiled a bold $50 billion investment plan to expand its operations in the United States over the next five years, a move that comes amid escalating concerns over potential trade tariffs proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The company announced on Tuesday that a major portion of the investment will go toward constructing a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Virginia—its largest single manufacturing project globally. Additionally, the funds will support the expansion of research and development (R&D) and cell therapy manufacturing capabilities in several states, including Maryland, Massachusetts, California, Indiana, and Texas.
The initiative aligns with efforts to strengthen domestic pharmaceutical production in response to proposed tariffs of up to 20% on imported drugs—a policy aimed at reducing dependency on foreign-made medications and cutting healthcare costs.
According to AstraZeneca, the investment is expected to generate tens of thousands of jobs across the United States, contributing to economic growth while accelerating the delivery of advanced treatments for American patients and beyond.
The Anglo-Swedish firm, listed on the FTSE 100, sees the U.S. as central to its growth strategy. It aims to achieve $80 billion in annual revenue by 2030, with half of that projected to come from the U.S. market.
“AstraZeneca’s commitment reflects our deep confidence in the U.S. biopharmaceutical ecosystem and our dedication to patients who rely on innovative treatments,” said Pascal Soriot, the company’s Chief Executive Officer.
Despite being headquartered in the UK, AstraZeneca currently derives 42% of its global sales from the U.S., where it employs over 18,000 people across 19 R&D, manufacturing, and commercial facilities.
The planned Virginia site will focus on producing active pharmaceutical ingredients for the company’s weight management and metabolic health portfolio.
Commenting on the announcement, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick stated: “For too long, America has relied on foreign sources for essential pharmaceuticals. With President Trump’s push for new tariff policies, we are correcting this imbalance. AstraZeneca’s decision to expand significantly within the U.S. is a major step forward in securing our pharmaceutical supply chain.”
This strategic expansion reinforces AstraZeneca’s long-term commitment to the U.S. market and underscores the growing intersection of healthcare innovation and national economic policy.
