Trump Administration Launches Tariff Probe into Medtech and Pharmaceutical Industries

The Trump administration recently initiated a Section 232 investigation into pharmaceutical imports, assessing their impact on national security and laying the groundwork for potential tariffs on both branded and generic medicines and their ingredients2.

The scope of the investigation is broad, covering active pharmaceutical ingredients largely sourced from countries such as China and India, as well as finished products manufactured in nations like Switzerland, Ireland, and the Netherlands2.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced on April 1 that the investigation covers both pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, signaling that both sectors could soon face tariffs to encourage domestic manufacturing2 4.

President Trump and Commerce Secretary Lutnick have signaled that pharmaceutical and semiconductor imports will face significant tariffs, with Trump suggesting duties as high as 250% on pharmaceutical imports and approximately 100% on semiconductors4 9 10.

The medtech and medical device industries are monitoring developments closely, as broader tariff policies have previously impacted these sectors by raising costs for imported inputs and finished devices5 6 7 8.

Industry leaders and stakeholders warn that these tariffs could have far-reaching effects on supply chains, production costs, and access to critical medical products within the US2 8 10.