Trump ramps up threat of steep tariffs on drug imports

9 July 2025

Donald Trump has escalated his warnings to the pharmaceutical industry with a pledge to introduce import tariffs as high as 200% on drugs produced outside the USA. The US president said companies would be granted a grace period of up to 18 months before the measure takes effect.

Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Mr Trump said an announcement on pharmaceutical tariffs would come “very soon,” and reiterated his belief that drugmakers should increase manufacturing within the USA rather than relying on overseas supply chains.

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