economy
How Ireland became dependent on big pharma
In just 50 years, Ireland has become the world’s third largest exporter of pharmaceuticals, with medicines now making up about 20% of Ireland’s GDP. So how did Ireland become so tied to the pharma industry — and is that reliance at risk amid tariffs, patent cliffs and geopolitical tension?
TL;DR
- Ireland manufactures in-demand medicines such as Viagra, Botox, and Mounjaro.
- In 50 years, Ireland has become the world's third-largest pharmaceutical exporter.
- Medicines now account for about 20% of Ireland's GDP.
- The country's tax base is increasingly dependent on a few multinational drugmakers.
- The article explores how Ireland became tied to the pharma industry and if this reliance is at risk.