Japan drug companies offer rare haven amid Trump market jitters

Most big-cap stocks make year-to-date gains even as 25% tariff looms

20250421 US tariff on Japan

Japanese pharmaceutical stocks have been relatively strong performers despite the looming threat of tariffs. (Nikkei montage/Source photo by AP) 

MITSURU OBE

TOKYO -- As nerves fray over tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, large Japanese pharmaceutical companies have largely held their value even as other manufacturers like autos and semiconductors have endured a market sell-off.

Take for example Takeda Pharmaceutical, a company that depends on overseas markets for 89% of its revenue, with the U.S. alone accounting for 51.5%. Its share price has mostly stayed above water year-to-date, even during the broader market's near 20% tumble this month, with investors saying that its blood plasma products are locally produced and unlikely to be affected by any tariffs.

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