Strategic steps: 5 actions for Irish life science leaders facing tariff uncertainty

Irish Life Sciences leaders must act decisively amid U.S. tariff uncertainties. Here are 5 steps to enhance resilience and navigate trade complexities.

At the same time, the broader European industry has begun to signal growing concern. A group of leading global pharmaceutical firms recently raised the alarm in a letter to the European Commission, highlighting the cost disadvantages of operating in Europe relative to the U.S., particularly in the context of pricing and regulatory complexity. While the letter focused primarily on long-term competitiveness and innovation funding, it also acknowledged that emerging U.S. trade measures could accelerate production shifts toward the American market.

For Irish Life Sciences leaders, this moment calls for measured but decisive action. Uncertainty is no longer an occasional challenge—it’s a constant. And successful geostrategies know that while they can’t control geopolitical movements, they can control their response. That starts with structured action.

Here are five practical steps Irish Life Sciences companies should consider during this 90-day window:

1. Review and Quantify Your Tariff Exposure

Start with a granular review of your U.S.-bound trade flows, origin and product classifications. Identify which SKUs fall under the new tariff scope—or are at risk if classifications shift. Understanding the value at risk now allows you to prioritize mitigation efforts with precision.

2. Reassess Inventory and Supply Chain Strategy

For companies in sectors like pharma—which remain largely exempt for now—this is a critical moment to reassess inventory positions and supply chain routing. Temporary stock positioning, alternative fulfilment hubs, or strategic rerouting may provide short-term protection and operational breathing room.

3. Explore Customs and Trade Mitigation Options

Consider customs optimization strategies such as Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs), duty drawback programs, and tariff reclassifications. These tools can unlock material cost savings and create optionality if the trade environment tightens further.

4. Build Flexibility into Your Supply Chain

Agile supply chains are built on flexibility. Reevaluate your supplier network, lead times, and critical dependencies. Early scenario planning—especially for high-risk product lines—can enable faster pivots under pressure and reduce exposure to single-source vulnerabilities.

5. Use Data and Technology to Improve Visibility

Leverage trade analytics, AI-powered compliance tools, and real-time tariff dashboards to maintain oversight. These systems enhance scenario modelling, improve coordination across tax, supply chain, and finance functions, and accelerate your response as conditions evolve.

The Strategic Imperative for Irish Business

Beyond a mere trade concern, tariff policy has become a strategic variable that significantly influences supply chain resilience and the accessibility of essential healthcare services for patients.

Right now, there is no certainty around what additional U.S. trade measures or retaliatory actions might emerge. But Irish Life Sciences companies can act with clarity on what is known today. The current 90-day window is not just a pause—it’s a chance to strengthen operational resilience and lay the groundwork for durable strategy in a world where trade flows, regulations, and political winds are increasingly volatile.

In this current climate, the best strategy is preparation. Response plans need to be ready, not reactive.