No Jobs: Botox Capital of the World Trembles Under Trump Trade War Threat

Irish legends tell of the mythical land of Tir na nOg, a place where eternal youth reigns. Today, in the western Irish town of Westport, this has almost become a reality. It is here that the factory that produces the world's Botox, a drug known not only for its anti-wrinkle properties but also for its migraines, muscle spasms and other ailments, is located. This business is now threatened by Trump's policies.

The plant, owned by an American pharmaceutical company, has become the economic heart of Westport. It employs 1,300 locals and about 500 contractors, a huge number for a town of just 7,000 people. Last year, the company's therapeutic Botox brought in $3.3 billion, and its cosmetic Botox another $2.72 billion.

But Westport's tranquility is under threat after US President Donald Trump announced a 15 per cent tariff on pharmaceutical imports from the EU. The US leader's aim is to bring drug production back to America. For Ireland, which is the world's third-largest exporter of pharmaceuticals, this is a major blow.

The Westport facility opened in 1977 and was expanding in 2020. Here, Botox is turned into powder, packaged, and shipped to 70 countries, including the United States, which takes 70 percent of the production.

Western economists say the plant is embedded in the life of the town. The company sponsors local sports teams, charities and even Westport United Football Club, whose home stadium bears its name. But now residents are worried. Anne-Marie, the owner of a local nursery school, said parents who work at the plant fear for their jobs.

"If they don't have a job, then I won't have a job either," she emphasizes.

Brian Cusack, whose daughter works at the plant, is cautious: "It's impossible to imagine Westport without this plant. But an economy isn't built on hope."

Trump has said he wants “drugs made in the U.S.” But experts doubt that moving manufacturing will be easy. High costs, regulatory barriers, and a shortage of skilled workers make it nearly impossible to accomplish in the short term.

City Council member Peter Flynn believes Trump's idea is unrealistic: "Moving such a production facility is a huge logistical problem. In addition, many specialists are now leaving the United States."

The US company that owns the plant has yet to comment on the potential changes, but has already announced new investments in US plants. This could mean Ireland will be in for a rough ride: pharmaceutical exports to the US will bring the country €44 billion in 2024.

Analysts warn that the tariff hikes will hurt American consumers. Drug prices could rise by 7 to 10 percent, and the cost of cosmetic Botox, which is not covered by insurance, will go up even more.

Westport hotelier Michael Lennon is worried about tourism as much as the plant: "We need American visitors. If their economy suffers, so do we." A client of his, a Trump supporter, once told him: "What's good for America is good for Ireland." Lennon would like to believe that. But so far there is no answer to that question.