U.S. plans to impose new tariffs on pharmaceuticals have triggered alarms among health experts, who warn of higher drug prices, supply chain chaos, and weakened global health governance. Here’s what you need to know.
Higher Costs, Fewer Lifelines 💸
President Donald Trump’s vague announcement this week about a "major tariff" on drugs could worsen shortages of generic medicines like antibiotics, industry leaders say. With many manufacturers already struggling, added costs might force them to cut production—or relocate entirely. Reuters reports that even pricier brand-name drugs could face R&D budget cuts as profits shrink.
Global Health at Risk 🚨
Experts fear tariffs will hurt low-income populations most. The China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Medicines flagged rising costs for medical supplies, warning it threatens "healthcare equity." Xu Ming of Peking University added that tariffs could disrupt procurement by UN agencies and NGOs, which rely on affordable drugs for humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, Trump’s recent withdrawal from the WHO has already strained pandemic preparedness, says Tsinghua University’s Zhou Qing'an.
Europe Braces for Impact 🇪🇺
European pharma giants face major risks too. With the U.S. importing billions in drugs annually from Europe, tariffs could trigger production cuts, layoffs, and reduced access to essential medicines. Analysts say patients worldwide may pay the price—literally.
