Overview

• Trump said the 100% duty will apply to brand or patented medicines, with exemptions for companies that have begun building or scheduled construction of U.S. facilities.
• Additional measures start Oct. 1: 50% on kitchen and bathroom cabinets, 30% on upholstered furniture, and 25% on heavy trucks.
• The announcement follows recent U.S.–EU steps setting a 15% base rate for most EU goods, with car tariffs cut to 15% retroactive to August 1.
• The European Commission asserts the 15% cap covers pharma, while German and EU industry groups warn the new plan could still hit medicines and disrupt supply chains.
• Germany faces particular exposure as the U.S. is its top pharma market at roughly a quarter of 2024 exports, and a separate U.S. review of medical devices and machinery is underway that could bring further import measures.