Customs hammer hits European pharmaceutical companies: A fight for survival!

Customs hammer hits European pharmaceutical companies: A fight for survival!

From August 11, 2025, a higher tariff on machines, cars and watches will come into force in the USA. This particularly affects European pharmaceutical companies, which have to expect additional tariffs of up to 250 percent. This decision marks the beginning of an economic war in which leading companies such as Roche, Novartis and Bayer are coming into focus. The pharmaceutical industry faces significant challenges as high profits are often linked to moral questions. In particular, high returns are necessary for the research and development of new drugs, which often cost billions and take more than a decade to develop.

Nine out of ten drug projects fail, underscoring the risks in the industry. Roche has reported sales growth for the first half of 2025 with an operating profit of around 12 billion francs. Novartis is also recording double-digit sales growth and plans to invest more in the US market. Bayer, on the other hand, reported a moderate increase in sales, but is faced with uncertainty due to the customs situation.

Impact and challenges

The new tariffs could increase production costs and strain both logistics and margin flows. A significant portion of pharmaceutical companies' profits are realized in the United States, where drug prices are less regulated. Uncertainty about future tariffs has already led to slumps in European pharmaceutical stocks. It is also noteworthy that six of the ten pharmaceutical companies with the highest sales are based in the USA and may be less affected by the tariffs.

To limit the potential damage, the pharmaceutical industry plans to invest in local production facilities and conduct political negotiations. In the short term, the increased tariffs could increase drug prices and reduce the efficiency of global manufacturing networks. The industry will also try to minimize political influence through alliances and lobbying.

Responsibility of the pharmaceutical industry

The pharmaceutical industry has a special responsibility not to let the profits it generates become an end in itself. The challenges arising from higher tariffs require a rethink in the industry. Only through sustainable strategic measures can companies cope with the effects of customs policy and at the same time live up to their responsibility towards society.

Developments in this sector will continue to be closely monitored in the coming months, particularly with regard to the reactions of affected companies and the regulatory actions of the US government. The impact on global markets could be far-reaching as the industry prepares for next steps to address the challenges ahead.

For further information about the situation of the pharmaceutical industry in the USA and current developments Business punk detailed. The reaction of the Swiss economy to the increased tariffs will also be influenced by Fund Professional thematised.