Celltrion Mulls U.S. Plant to Counter Expected Tariffs

[Song Young-doo, Edaily Reporter] As U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to announce details on product-specific pharmaceutical tariffs within the next two weeks, Celltrion announced that it is preparing countermeasures, including securing local production facilities in the U.S.

On May 7, Celltrion stated on its website that it has established a comprehensive response strategy for potential U.S. tariffs on pharmaceutical products.

As a short-term measure, the company said it plans to utilize its inventory reserves. “For products scheduled for sale in the U.S. in 2025, we have already completed the transfer of inventory equivalent to approximately 15 months of supply” Celltrion stated. “This will allow us to minimize the impact of tariffs not only on this year’s sales but also on sales through the first half of next year.”

For the mid-term, Celltrion highlighted its contracts for finished drug product(DP) manufacturing. The company has secured manufacturing contracts with U.S.-based contract manufacturing organizations(CMO) and already locked in production capacity for products that can be made locally. It also noted that it has taken steps to negotiate additional contracts with manufacturers to cover any potential production shortfall caused by tariffs.

A Celltrion spokesperson commented, “With these strategies, we are equipped to minimize tariff impacts beyond this year and into the future. In addition, as part of our long-term strategy, we have completed preliminary reviews on securing an API(active pharmaceutical ingredient) manufacturing facility in the U.S. and are now conducting detailed assessments.” The spokesperson added, “We are committed to a thorough and prompt development of fundamental and sustainable risk mitigation measures after taking all relevant factors into account.”