Johnson & Johnson Expands US Investments to Over $55 Billion Amid Tariff Concerns

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) announced on Friday that it will invest more than $55 billion over the next four years to expand manufacturing and research operations in the United States.

This investment, a 25% increase compared to the previous four years, comes as pharmaceutical companies brace for potential tariffs on drug imports proposed by the Trump administration.

J&J’s investment will fund the construction of four new manufacturing plants, including one in Wilson, North Carolina, where the company officially broke ground on Friday. The Wilson facility, with an investment of more than $2 billion, is expected to create 5,000 construction jobs and provide over 500 permanent positions across the state. The facility will focus on producing medicines for cancer, immune-related diseases, and neurological conditions.

In addition to building new plants, J&J plans to expand several existing sites across the US and invest in research, robotics, and technology to accelerate drug discovery. However, the company has not disclosed the specific locations of its other planned facilities.

The announcement follows growing pressure on pharmaceutical companies to increase domestic production amid potential US tariffs on drug imports. President Donald Trump has advocated for reshoring manufacturing, particularly in industries like pharmaceuticals, where companies such as J&J and Pfizer operate large production facilities in countries like Ireland.

Other companies in the industry are also responding to the changing trade landscape. Last month, drugmaker Eli Lilly announced a $27 billion investment in US manufacturing, while other sectors—including tech giants like Apple and Nvidia—have also pledged significant domestic investments in response to similar pressures.

J&J CEO Joaquin Duato emphasized the company’s commitment to US manufacturing and innovation.

“Our increased US investment begins with the groundbreaking of a high-tech facility in North Carolina that will not only add US-based jobs but manufacture cutting-edge medicines to treat patients in America and around the world,” Duato said in a statement.

With input from CNBC, Axios, and Reuters.