Swiss Pharma Giant Roche Plans $50B US Investment

Swiss pharmaceutical leader Roche has announced plans to invest $50 billion in the United States over the next five years, aiming to create 12,000 jobs and significantly expand its research and manufacturing footprint.

The Basel-based company, known for its cancer therapies and its multiple sclerosis drug Ocrevus, said the investment will support the development of advanced R&D facilities and new manufacturing plants across California, Indiana, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, according to a report by the Associated Press.

The announcement comes amid renewed calls by U.S. President Donald Trump for increased foreign investment in the country. Earlier this month, Trump introduced sweeping new tariffs on imports in an effort to narrow the U.S. trade deficit.

Initially, Swiss goods were set to face tariffs of up to 31%, significantly higher than the 20% levied on EU imports. While Switzerland is not an EU member, it is geographically and economically tied to the bloc.

Trump’s controversial "Liberation Day" tariffs, announced on April 2, triggered global market volatility. A week later, the U.S. President reportedly spoke with Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter about the tariff implications. Her office highlighted the crucial role of Swiss investments in the U.S. economy. Within hours, the U.S. paused the implementation of the harshest tariffs on 60 countries for 90 days, fueling speculation—unconfirmed—that the conversation may have influenced the decision.

While Roche made no direct reference to the tariff situation, its statement emphasized the company’s strategic commitment to the U.S. market. "Today’s announced investments underscore our longstanding commitment to research, development and manufacturing in the U.S.,” said Roche CEO Thomas Schinecker.

Currently, Roche employs 25,000 people in the United States and operates 15 research centers and 13 manufacturing sites. The new investment will add 1,000 Roche positions and create over 11,000 additional jobs supporting expanded U.S. operations. When completed, Roche’s U.S. presence will span 24 sites across eight states.

The U.S. remains Roche’s largest market, contributing nearly CHF 25 billion (about $30.6 billion) in pharmaceutical sales last year out of its total CHF 60 billion ($74 billion) in global revenue.

Roche’s stock has declined by about 18% over the past month, with the majority of the drop occurring after the U.S. tariff announcement on April 2.