Nearly three dozen global pharmaceutical companies, including industry leaders Pfizer, Eli Lilly, and AstraZeneca, have called on the European Commission for support as they face potential U.S. tariffs on imported medicines, French business daily Les Echos reported.
In a letter addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the companies warned that the EU pharmaceutical sector is at a competitive disadvantage compared to the United States, where drug prices are, on average, double those in countries like France.
The letter also outlined key requests, including compensation for innovation costs and streamlined regulatory processes.
The appeal comes in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent indication that tariffs on pharmaceutical imports could be introduced soon, a move that industry leaders fear could accelerate the shift of pharmaceutical operations from Europe to the U.S.
The letter also expressed concern over upcoming EU policies, including a new environmental fee requiring pharmaceutical companies to contribute to the cost of removing micropollutants from wastewater.
Industry representatives argued that for the past decade, they have already absorbed the full increase in spending related to innovative medicines.
“We hope to work together in the coming weeks to ensure that these proposals become reality to the benefit of Europe’s patients and economic development,” the companies wrote.
At a meeting last week, European pharmaceutical executives reiterated to von der Leyen that the looming U.S. tariffs could further erode the region’s position as a hub for pharmaceutical production and innovation.
The U.S. remains the largest global market for pharmaceutical sales, and both regions maintain deeply integrated medical supply chains.
According to Eurostat, the EU exported approximately €90 billion worth of medical and pharmaceutical products to the U.S. in 2023.
Meanwhile, European pharmaceutical firms have been ramping up investments in U.S.-based manufacturing facilities.
Ireland, a major player in pharmaceutical exports, reported a 145.7% year-on-year surge in exports of medical and pharmaceutical products in February 2025.
Data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) showed exports jumped by €9.2 billion to reach €15.6 billion, accounting for over 63% of the country’s total exports that month—highlighting the sector’s critical importance to the Irish economy.
