President Donald Trump has unveiled a bold plan to slap up to 100% tariffs on imported pharmaceutical products. The move is intended to pressure drugmakers to cut prices and invest in US manufacturing.
The policy primarily targets branded and patented medicines, along with essential ingredients. Generic drugs, which account for most prescriptions, are expected to be largely exempt initially to avoid supply disruptions.
Under the plan, companies can escape the full 100% duty by joining government pricing programs or relocating production to the United States. A transitional tariff of around 20% could apply while companies build domestic facilities, but duties could jump if deadlines aren’t met.
Officials say the tariffs aim to address high US drug prices, which are far above global averages, and to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains that could threaten medicine access in emergencies.
Several major pharmaceutical firms have already negotiated temporary exemptions, agreeing to lower prices or expand US operations to avoid penalties.
The announcement coincides with adjustments to tariffs on metals, reflecting a broader push to reshape US trade policy and support local industries.
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