Celltrion to Acquire U.S. Pharma Plant in $503M Deal Amid Tariff Risks

South Korean pharmaceutical giant Celltrion announced on Tuesday that it has emerged as the preferred bidder to acquire a U.S.-based manufacturing facility from an undisclosed global pharmaceutical company. The move is aimed at mitigating potential risks from looming U.S. tariffs on pharmaceuticals.

Founder and CEO Seo Jung-jin stated during a briefing that Celltrion plans to invest approximately 700 billion won ($503.78 million) for the purchase and operation of the plant. The company also signaled potential additional investments ranging from 300 billion to 700 billion won, contingent upon future U.S. tariff policies.

The U.S. government is currently conducting a national security review of the pharmaceutical sector, with President Donald Trump recently suggesting tariffs could reach up to 200%. Seo highlighted that such measures, while challenging, may create “opportunities” by driving higher drug prices and reducing competition, potentially boosting profitability for domestic producers.

Celltrion did not disclose the name or location of the U.S. facility, citing confidentiality agreements, but confirmed that finalization of the deal is expected by early October.

The acquisition marks a strategic expansion for Celltrion as it strengthens its global manufacturing network and positions itself to better serve the U.S. market amid heightened trade tensions. The company, headquartered in Incheon, South Korea, is widely known for its biosimilar products and has been aggressively pursuing international growth to reduce exposure to regulatory and market risks in its home country.

By securing a manufacturing footprint in the United States, Celltrion aims to navigate potential tariff challenges, safeguard supply chains, and enhance competitiveness in one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical markets.