Saturday, March 29, 2025
Washington, Sept 26, 2025 – U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping new trade measure, imposing a 100% tariff on all pharmaceutical products imported into the United States. The move delivers another major jolt to international trade, with India — one of the world’s largest drug exporters — among the hardest hit.
Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social account, stating that the new tariffs will take effect from October 1, 2025. According to his post, every branded or patented medicine imported into the U.S. will face a 100% tariff if the manufacturer does not operate a pharmaceutical plant within the country.
“Any company that manufactures outside the United States and ships pharmaceuticals here will now pay a 100% tariff. Only those who build and produce inside America will be exempt,” Trump wrote.
This is the latest in a series of tariff shocks by Trump. Earlier, his administration had slapped 10% to 50% tariffs on products from over 150 countries, sparking global trade tensions. With pharmaceuticals now added to the list, the impact is expected to be far more direct on healthcare costs and global supply chains.
India, often called the “pharmacy of the world,” is a major exporter of generic medicines to the U.S. The new policy could significantly disrupt Indian pharmaceutical firms that rely heavily on the American market.
Industry experts warn that the tariffs could:
Increase the price of life-saving drugs in the U.S.
Push global pharma companies to establish manufacturing plants inside America.
Trigger retaliatory measures from affected countries, potentially escalating into a wider trade conflict.
Trump defended the move as part of his broader “America First” strategy to revive domestic manufacturing. He argued that pharmaceutical giants must invest in U.S. plants if they want to continue selling in the lucrative American market.
The decision is already drawing sharp criticism from international trade partners, who say it could limit access to affordable medicines worldwide.
