Roche Announces $50 Billion U.S. Investment, 12,000 New Jobs in Response to Trade Pressures

Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche has unveiled plans to invest $50 billion in the United States over the next five years, a move expected to create more than 12,000 jobs as the company expands its footprint amid growing trade tensions.

The investment comes as pharmaceutical companies ramp up U.S. operations in response to shifting trade policies aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing. Roche’s announcement follows similar commitments from industry peers, including a $23 billion pledge by Novartis earlier this month, as well as recent expansions by Eli Lilly and Johnson & Johnson.

Roche’s strategic expansion also aligns with ongoing diplomatic efforts, as Switzerland’s President Karin Keller-Sutter prepares to meet with senior U.S. officials in Washington this week to address the potential imposition of a 31% tariff on Swiss exports.

“We’ve structured our investments to align with ongoing dialogue between the U.S. and Swiss governments,” a Roche spokesperson said.

CEO Thomas Schinecker emphasized the importance of the U.S. market, noting that nearly 48% of Roche’s 2024 revenue was generated there. The company currently employs 25,000 people across 24 American sites. Of the new positions announced, around 6,500 will support construction efforts, while 1,000 jobs will be based at newly established or expanded facilities.

Once operational, these expansions are expected to enable Roche to export more medicines from the U.S. than it imports.

New projects include a factory dedicated to producing weight loss treatments—location yet to be confirmed—and a facility for continuous glucose monitoring in Indiana. The company will also expand operations in Kentucky, New Jersey, and California.

“Our $50 billion investment over the next five years sets the stage for our next wave of innovation and growth, bringing benefits to patients in the U.S. and around the world,” Schinecker said.

While the announcement did not directly address the threat of tariffs, Roche has evaluated potential scenarios and is prepared to implement mitigation strategies if necessary, according to company representatives.

Roche confirmed that it remains committed to its global operations and will provide further details on its broader investment strategy in the coming weeks.

The announcement comes amid a broader review by U.S. authorities of pharmaceutical imports. Last year, the U.S. imported approximately $213 billion in pharmaceutical products—nearly triple the volume recorded in 2014—according to international trade data.

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