President Donald Trump’s plan to impose tariffs on pharmaceutical imports is sparking alarm among generic drugmakers and industry experts, who warn that it could lead to increased shortages of essential medications and higher prices.
The move would hit generic drug manufacturers hard, as they already face tight profit margins and increasing competition. Tariffs would add extra costs, making it harder for them to operate in the US market, especially compared to brand-name drugs.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists reports 270 active drug shortages in the US, with antibiotics being a major concern. Generic drugs account for about 90% of prescribed medications in the country, and many have only one or two companies producing their ingredients, making the supply chain “fragile.”
If tariffs are imposed, prices could rise, and pharmacies might struggle to fill prescriptions quickly. Patients may face challenges finding pharmacies that can immediately fill their prescriptions, potentially delaying treatment.
The Trump administration has launched an investigation into pharmaceutical imports, citing national security concerns. However, experts argue that tariffs would likely stifle drug manufacturing in the US, rather than encourage it. In fact, some warn that large tariffs could trigger more shortages, cause dependence on foreign countries for life-saving medications, and delay investments by Indian companies.
Industry analysts predict that the impact of tariffs on generic drugs will ultimately be felt by patients, who rely on these medicines to stay healthy.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/16/business/tariffs-impact-generic-drugs-access/index.html