Oct 20 (Reuters) - Merck ( MRK ) said on Monday it is

expanding its investments in the U.S. to more than $70 billion,

as the drugmaker looks to scale up its manufacturing and

research footprint in the country.

Global drugmakers have been rushing to boost their U.S.

investment to shore up their manufacturing capacity, after

President Donald Trump urged the industry to make more medicines

domestically rather than importing active ingredients or

finished medicines.

In 2025, at least 14 major drugmakers across the world

announced plans to expand their U.S. manufacturing presence to

mitigate supply chain risks and reassure investors as companies

across sectors navigate a tough tariff environment in the

country.

Merck ( MRK ) said on Monday it has begun the construction of a $3

billion pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Elkton,

Virginia, and confirmed the $70 billion includes total

investments announced so far this year.

The site in Virginia is expected to generate 500 jobs, a

significant increase beyond the original scope of a $2 billion

investment and 300 jobs, said Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin.

The U.S. drugmaker said it plans to invest an additional $3

billion in biologics and small molecule manufacturing sites and

capabilities in the U.S., while also investing more than $3.5

billion at its headquarters in Rahway, N.J.

Merck ( MRK ) had previously said it will invest $1 billion in a new

Delaware plant to make biologics and cancer drug Keytruda, to

boost U.S. production and potentially create over 4,500 jobs. It

also opened a $1-billion facility at its North Carolina site in

March.