In a major boost to the industry, pharmaceutical investments in Mexico reached $600 million this Thursday. International firms AstraZeneca, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Carnot made the pledge in the country. These funds arrive after recent investments by Heineken, Walmart, and Netflix. The moves come amid ongoing trade tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard made the announcement alongside company leaders. He said the sector is a high priority for President Claudia Sheinbaum. Health Secretary David Kershenobich added that the funds will boost capacity and exports.
Pharmaceutical Investments in Mexico
Bayer will invest about $160 million over five years. Manuel Bravo, Bayer’s Mexico director, said the funds will expand active ingredient production.
Boehringer Ingelheim plans $187 million in upgrades over the coming years. It will convert its Xochimilco tablet plant into the world’s largest. Augusto Muench, regional head for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, made the statement.
AstraZeneca will add $120.7 million through 2026 to its Mexican operations. Julio Ordaz, AstraZeneca’s local president, said the move covers diabetes and chronic kidney drugs and will boost its innovation center and manufacturing facilities.
The Mexican lab Carnot will spend $187 million to build a plant in Hidalgo. Edmundo Jiménez, Carnot’s director, said construction will span five years and focus on production and technology capacity.
U.S. pressure on drug prices has weighed on the sector. President Trump demands lower costs and threatens tariffs up to 250 percent. The recent pledges signal confidence in Mexico’s health industry and will create jobs and strengthen export potential.
Government officials see this as a sign of growth. Analysts expect more firms to follow suit and expand their operations in Mexico.
