US President Donald Trump’s trade war with foreign pharmaceutical companies is shifting towards prescription drugs. The president’s stance on the industry has drawn criticism from manufacturers, who fear tariffs would increase costs and limit access to life-saving medications.
Pharmaceutical companies have warned that introducing tariffs on imported prescription drugs could lead to higher prices for patients. They argue that US-made medicines are often less effective or more expensive than their foreign counterparts, making it difficult for them to compete.
The timing of a potential announcement on pharma tariffs is unclear, but analysts predict it may happen soon. If implemented, the tariffs would likely increase costs for patients and manufacturers alike. The impact could be significant, with some predicting widespread shortages and others warning of a black market for prescription drugs.
Maggie Fick, a Britain-based reporter covering pharmaceuticals globally, has been tracking this development. She notes that the industry is already facing challenges due to rising production costs and increased regulatory scrutiny. As she reports from New York, Maggie will continue to monitor this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/prescription-drugs-become-target-trumps-trade-war-2025-04-09