Big Pharma Braces for Potential 200% US Tariffs Amid Uncertainty

US President Donald Trump has threatened a 200% tariff on imported pharmaceuticals, a sharp increase from previous threats—for example, 25% earlier in 2025—aiming to force drug manufacturing back to the United States14.

Pharma companies have been given a one to one-and-a-half year grace period to adapt before facing the new tariffs, according to Trump14.

Industry analysts and pharma executives warn that such high tariffs could disrupt global supply chains and severely increase drug prices for US consumers12.

Despite political pressure to move manufacturing domestically, experts argue that relocating pharma production to the US will take years—far longer than the provided grace period—and may not be feasible for many drugs14.

Many major pharmaceutical companies have pledged investments in US manufacturing, but warn that tariffs may be counterproductive and could reduce patient access to essential medicines12.

Analysts broadly believe the tariffs would have little effect on reshoring but would raise costs for companies and likely for patients2.

Sources:

1. https://www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/news/trumps-200-tariff-threat-could-send-shockwaves-through-pharma-supply-chains/

2. https://www.biospace.com/policy/trump-says-major-pharma-tariffs-coming-very-shortly-after-sparing-industry-on-liberation-day

4. https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/news/trumps-200-tariff-threat-could-send-shockwaves-through-pharma-supply-chains/