Trump Announces Massive Pharma Tariffs Up to 250%, Signals Enforcement Within Days

On August 5, 2025, Donald Trump announced tariffs on pharmaceutical imports could reach as high as 250% in the coming week 1.

The Administration has already increased tariffs on Canadian goods from 25% to 35%, citing ongoing issues with the flow of illicit drugs across the northern border 2.

Goods that qualify under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) are exempt, but transshipped goods to evade tariffs face a 40% penalty 2.

New tariffs are part of a broader effort addressing national security and public health, particularly the fentanyl crisis 2.

The U.S. continues to threaten additional country- and sector-specific tariff increases in ongoing trade disputes, with several recent orders covering a range of products 3.

Announcements suggest pharma tariffs will be implemented imminently, potentially within a week 13.

Sources:

1. https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/trump-ups-ante-pharma-tariffs-saying-they-will-reach-250

2. https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/07/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-amends-duties-to-address-the-flow-of-illicit-drugs-across-our-northern-border/

3. https://www.tradecomplianceresourcehub.com/2025/08/06/trump-2-0-tariff-tracker/