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An Irish city produces Botox - Trump's trade deal could have consequences
Westport, Ireland, produces the global botox and benefits from its pharmaceutical industry. But Trump's new tariffs endanger the local economy and raise questions about the future.
An Irish city produces Botox - Trump's trade deal could have consequences
In the picturesque coastal city of Westport, located in the County Mayo, a surprising industrial hub has developed: Abbott's most important center for Botox production. The institutions operated by the pharmaceutical company Abbvie employ at least 1,300 local employees and around 500 other contract workers and thus form the economic backbone for a city with barely 7,000 inhabitants. Therapeutic botox is used for various medical applications, including muscle spastics, migraines and overactive blisters, and last year generated impressive $ 3.3 billion for Abbvie. The sales proceeds from cosmetic botox, which is often used to smooth wrinkles, also contributed $ 2.72 billion.
Tariffs and their effects on industry
However, US President Donald Trump recently took a crucial step towards relocating these billion dollar industry to the United States. He announced 15% inch for all pharmaceutical exports from the European Union. This measure is concerned with concern by many, especially the residents of Westport, since the city has fundamentally changed through the work of Allergan, which was opened in 1977, and its takeover and expansion by Abbvie in 2020.
The concerns of the Westport's residents
Within the extensive 61 hectare area, which extends picturesquely at the foot of Croagh Patrick-one of the most famous pilgrimage resorts of Ireland-botox-vials are processed and packed in powder form before being exported to about 70 countries. The United States is the main customer and make up 70% of the western port system, which also produces eye care products.
The uncertainty about how the new tariffs will affect the company has triggered concern in Westport. "People are concerned about their jobs and don't know how to proceed," said Anne-Marie, the supervisor of a daycare center. These fears are also reflected in the population, since the long -term advantages of real estate are always emphasized, such as the support of infrastructure, sports teams and local charity events.
Political decisions and their consequences
Brian Cusack, member of the development committee of the Westport United Football Association, was optimistic about the future, but admits that "many changes are imminent, possibly not for the better". Nobody wants to imagine reality without the American pharmaceutical industry.
The new tariffs represent a real challenge for the city. While some consider negotiations between the USA and the EU as progress, other European leaders consider the compulsory changes as dam protection against major damage. Trump made it clear that the tariffs could reach 250% on imported pharmaceutical products in the next 18 months. This threat is circulating while the United States advises on the security of foreign medication.
The future of the location as part of new investments
Despite the uncertainties, the long -term perspectives of the company in Westport are unclear. So far, Abbvie has not announced any plans to relocate its production facilities. In a recent conference on telephone, Abbvie President Robert A. Michael expressed that the company conducted and confirmed its long-term willingness to invest in the United States.
How the new customs fees could have an impact on Ireland remains to be seen, but the signs are not good, since pharmaceutical products made 44 billion euros in the 72.6 billion euros in exports to the United States last year. The fears grow that increasing pharmaceutical prices could ultimately burden American consumers - which of course would also affect the Irish tourism sector.
Conclusion: an uncertain future
The concerns about the future of pharmaceutical industry in Westport are great. As hotelier Michael Lennon, who takes care of American guests who are crucial for tourism in the region: "We have to have all these Americans in Ireland." It remains questionable whether Trump's policy is actually an advantage for the Americans and therefore also for the Irish. However, the hope of innovative approaches and adaptability shows that the residents of Westport are willing to face the challenges and to actively shape their future.