The pharmaceutical industry has faced unprecedented supply chain disruptions in 2025, from regulatory uncertainty to geopolitical tensions. These challenges have highlighted the critical importance of building resilient operations that can adapt to changing circumstances.
For companies managing global clinical trial supply chains and pharmaceutical distribution, the events of this year have provided valuable lessons about risk mitigation, geographic diversification, and the strategic value of operational flexibility. Understanding these lessons is essential for building supply chains that can withstand future disruptions whilst maintaining efficiency and compliance.
Supply chain challenges that defined 2025
Export control complexities became a major burden for US pharmaceutical companies in 2025. The Export Administration Regulations (EAR) require extensive classification and Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing for most international shipments over $2,500. US exporters must also screen all parties against multiple restricted party lists - requirements that are generally less complex for UK-based operations.
Enhanced compliance requirements and stricter enforcement created additional pharmaceutical logistics burdens, whilst trade agreement differences between jurisdictions complicated international commerce. These factors combined to create significant challenges for companies relying solely on US-based supply chains.
The dual-hub solution for 2026
One strategic response to these challenges involves dual UK/US operational models. This approach allows US pharmaceutical companies to leverage UK operations for European and international markets whilst maintaining US capabilities for domestic requirements.
The UK's simpler export control regime, preferential trade agreements with the EU, and geographic proximity to European markets can provide significant advantages for international pharmaceutical logistics. Meanwhile, US operations continue to handle domestic trials and regulatory requirements efficiently.
This geographic diversification strategy has the potential to address many of the compliance and operational challenges that have defined 2025's supply chain disruptions.
Regulatory resilience: Preparing for continued uncertainty
Clinical trial supply chain management through regional hubs provides long-term benefits beyond addressing immediate disruptions. Companies operating from multiple regulatory jurisdictions can adapt more quickly to regulatory changes and maintain operations even when one jurisdiction faces challenges. This approach offers sustained competitive advantages as the regulatory landscape continues to evolve.
Beyond regulatory flexibility, dual-site operations provide essential risk mitigation and disaster recovery capabilities. When one location faces disruptions - whether from regulatory changes, natural disasters, or operational issues - companies can maintain continuity through their alternative site. This ensures that critical clinical trial timelines are protected even during unforeseen circumstances.
Building resilient partnerships for the future
The lessons of 2025 demonstrate that supply chain resilience is not merely about surviving disruptions - it is about maintaining competitive advantage and operational excellence in an increasingly complex global environment.
Greens' dual UK and US operations are specifically designed to address these pharmaceutical supply chain challenges. Our strategic positioning allows US pharmaceutical companies to leverage UK-based production for European and international markets, bypassing many of the export control complexities outlined above.
By combining local expertise in both jurisdictions with streamlined cross-border capabilities, we help clients build the geographic diversification and operational resilience essential for navigating today's complex regulatory environment. Rather than viewing pharmaceutical logistics as a necessary burden, we enable companies to transform their supply chain strategy into a competitive advantage.
