The chief executive of AstraZeneca, Pascal Soriot, has underscored the vital importance of the US market for the pharmaceutical giant, even as potential tariffs under a second Trump administration loom large. Soriot's comments come amid growing concerns over trade policies that could disrupt global supply chains and inflate drug prices.
US Market: A Pillar of Growth
Soriot described the US as "the most important market in the world" for AstraZeneca, accounting for nearly half of its revenue. The country's robust healthcare infrastructure and innovation-friendly policies have made it a cornerstone of the company's growth strategy.
Trump Tariffs: A Looming Threat
With Donald Trump leading in polls ahead of the US election, his proposed tariffs on imported goods—including pharmaceuticals—could significantly impact AstraZeneca's operations. Soriot warned that such measures might "disrupt supply chains and increase costs", ultimately affecting patients.
Call for Stable Trade Policies
The CEO urged policymakers to prioritise stability in international trade, emphasising that "uncertainty is the enemy of innovation". He highlighted the need for collaborative solutions to ensure affordable access to medicines while sustaining pharmaceutical R&D.
AstraZeneca's reliance on the US market underscores the delicate balance between global trade and healthcare innovation—a balance that could be upended by shifting political winds.
