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Trump Announces 100% Tariff on Branded Drug Imports, With Carve-Out for Firms Building U.S. Plants

The exemption for companies building U.S. plants leaves implementation unclear.

Overview

  • Starting October 1, branded or patented pharmaceutical imports will face a 100% tariff unless the manufacturer has already broken ground or has a plant under construction in the United States.
  • Generic medicines are reported to be excluded for now, but coverage of active pharmaceutical ingredients and branded generics remains unresolved.
  • Additional duties will begin the same day: 25% on heavy-duty trucks, 50% on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, and 30% on upholstered furniture.
  • European officials point to an August U.S.–EU statement capping tariffs on EU pharma exports at 15%, highlighting potential legal and trade constraints on the 100% rate.
  • Pharma shares in Asia and India fell after the announcement, while economists and the Federal Reserve chair warned higher import costs could lift U.S. inflation and health-care spending.