Friendshoring: A Strategic Shift In Pharma Supply Chains

In recent years, the pharmaceutical industry has been tested by a series of unprecedented global disruptions. What was initially seen as a once-in-a-century event—the COVID-19 pandemic—was soon followed by a wave of geopolitical instability, regional conflicts, and mounting international tensions. These challenges have exposed critical vulnerabilities in global drug supply chains, resulting in shortages, delays, and increased uncertainty across the healthcare landscape.

To safeguard the consistent delivery of essential therapies to patients around the world, biopharmaceutical companies, alongside their contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) partners, are rethinking traditional supply models and seeking more resilient, forward-looking strategies. One emerging approach gaining momentum is friendshoring — the practice of relocating supply chains to trusted, politically aligned nations to enhance stability and reduce risk.