Trump moves to increase U.S. amoxicillin production with Walmart partnership

The United States is making a major push to strengthen its pharmaceutical supply chain by boosting the domestic production of amoxicillin, one of the most prescribed antibiotics for children.

Fox Business reported that the move comes through a collaboration between Walmart, McKesson, and USAntibiotics, the nation’s only manufacturer of the drug, as part of a plan to address shortages and bring more medicine production back to American soil.

The Food and Drug Administration declared a nationwide shortage of amoxicillin in 2022 after heightened demand and heavy reliance on foreign suppliers disrupted the supply chain. Much of the world’s production has been concentrated in China and India, leaving U.S. consumers vulnerable to supply issues.

Walmart, McKesson Join Forces With USAntibiotics

Under the new arrangement, Walmart and McKesson are partnering with USAntibiotics, which is based in Bristol, Tennessee. The company is now aiming to meet the full domestic demand for the drug as part of the agreement.

Patrick Cashman of USAntibiotics said the partnership represents a commitment not just to business but to national health security. “We are thrilled to work with Walmart and McKesson to bring domestically manufactured antibiotics directly to American families,” he said in a press release.

Cashman further thanked both companies for supporting U.S. production of generic medicines, saying their involvement demonstrates leadership in protecting public access to critical drugs.

Background On The Essential Antibiotic

Amoxicillin was discovered in the United Kingdom during the 1950s and gained U.S. approval in the 1970s. Since then, it has become the most widely prescribed antibiotic for children, used to treat common infections such as ear, throat, and respiratory illnesses.

Its importance was underscored during the 2022 shortage when families struggled to find doses, highlighting the dangers of overdependence on overseas suppliers. That crisis spurred policymakers and pharmaceutical companies to reevaluate domestic manufacturing strategies.

For distribution, Walmart will provide the U.S.-made antibiotic through its nationwide pharmacies, while McKesson will use its broad network to support delivery throughout the country.

Walmart’s Larger Commitment To U.S. Goods

The move aligns with Walmart’s broader pledge to invest $350 billion in American-made, grown, or assembled goods by 2030. A spokesperson for the company noted that two-thirds of its annual product spending already goes toward goods that originate in the United States.

This initiative reflects Walmart’s strategy to strengthen domestic sourcing and ensure greater resilience in its supply chain. The partnership with USAntibiotics fits neatly into that commitment, combining business goals with public health benefits.

By expanding access to critical drugs through its pharmacies, Walmart also stands to play a direct role in helping families find affordable and reliable treatments that were once threatened by shortages.

Trump Administration’s Push For Onshoring

The partnership also reflects broader policy priorities promoted during the Trump administration. Former President Donald Trump repeatedly stressed the need to bring medical and pharmaceutical production back to the United States.

In August, Trump signed an executive order to replenish the national reserve of drug ingredients, a step designed to safeguard against disruptions. A source close to the Trump White House said the latest collaboration shows companies are answering his calls to onshore supply chains.

Trump himself has spoken about the costs of relying on foreign pharmaceutical production, pointing out that identical drugs can be sold at dramatically higher prices in the United States compared to other countries.

Looking Ahead For U.S. Medicine Supply

The Walmart-McKesson-USAntibiotics deal represents a concrete response to those concerns. With manufacturing now anchored in Tennessee, supporters hope the arrangement will prevent future shortages and provide price stability.

The partnership also sends a broader message about America’s ability to produce essential medicines domestically, ensuring greater independence in times of crisis. For patients and families who depend on amoxicillin, the stakes remain especially high.

As the collaboration moves forward, its success will likely serve as a model for how private companies and policymakers can work together to reduce reliance on overseas drug production and strengthen America’s healthcare system.