Roche Invests $50B in U.S. Amid Tariff Shift

By Elke Porter | Canadian German Business News | April 22, 2025

Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche has announced a monumental $50 billion investment in the United States over the next five years, a strategic move designed to avoid costly U.S. tariffs and reinforce its long-term commitment to the North American market.

The investment, which is expected to generate more than 12,000 jobs, places Roche among a growing list of global drugmakers – including Novartis and Eli Lilly – choosing to expand their U.S. footprint in the face of increasing trade tensions.

“This is not only a response to tariff pressures,” said Roche CEO Thomas Schinecker, “but a sign of our strong belief in the future of U.S. innovation and our dedication to supporting patients and communities across the country.”

Founded in Basel in 1896, Roche is one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies, known for its cutting-edge cancer therapies, diagnostics, and pioneering work in personalized healthcare. The company operates two main divisions: Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostics, with a growing emphasis on data-driven medicine and biologics.

Currently, Roche maintains a strong presence in the United States through its subsidiaries Genentech, based in South San Francisco, and Roche Diagnostics, headquartered in Indianapolis. With the latest investment, Roche is poised to export more drugs from the U.S. than it imports – a sharp reversal of traditional trade flows and a calculated move to reduce exposure to global supply chain volatility.

The announcement underscores a broader trend of Swiss multinationals shifting production and R&D to North America to maintain competitive advantage amid evolving trade policies.

While details of specific site expansions have yet to be disclosed, analysts expect major growth in manufacturing and biotechnology hubs across the Midwest and California.

The decision is being lauded as a win-win for both economies – boosting U.S. jobs while securing Roche’s access to a critical global market.

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