Biotech and Pharma Stocks Struggle Amid Tariff Concerns

Market Turmoil: Biotech and pharma stocks decline as tariff fears rise. President Trump's recent comments on potential tariffs targeting these sectors have triggered investor worries, leading to notable stock drops for major companies.

Date: 26-03-2025

AI Rating: 4

Investors are currently facing a turbulent market in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors, largely influenced by President Trump's remarks regarding impending tariffs specifically aimed at medicine manufacturers. Such tariffs are expected to adversely affect stock prices as investors respond negatively to the uncertainty surrounding the economic landscape.

Impact of Tariffs
In the context of these industry-focused tariffs, companies like Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: REGN), Merck (NYSE: MRK), and Axsome Therapeutics (NASDAQ: AXSM) have already seen stock declines. The fear is that these levies will drive up production costs, which can ultimately lower profit margins and net income for these firms. In particular, biotech companies, many of which are still in early stages of revenue growth, are likely to be more vulnerable to such price increases.

Stock Performances
On the trading day following the announcement, Amgen experienced a more than 2% decline, while Regeneron and Merck saw drops exceeding 4%. Most strikingly, Axsome Therapeutics faced a nearly 7% decrease. Such market reactions indicate a strong correlation between presidential comments on tariffs and stock performance in these sectors.

Potential Upside
Despite this downturn, there are positive developments as well. For example, Merck has signed a licensing deal for a potential heart disease treatment from Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals, potentially valued at around $2 billion upon regulatory approval. This deal serves as a glimmer of hope amid the otherwise concerning news, implying that solid business decisions still promote growth potential even in a climate of uncertainty.

Overall, while the remarks by President Trump and the subsequent reactions from various companies can create immediate pressure on stock prices, significant business transactions like Merck's licensing deal can provide opportunities for recovery and may appeal to long-term investors.

Stocks: AMGN REGN MRK AXSM