A report commissioned by the main US pharmaceutical lobby warns that imposing a 25% tariff on imported drugs would increase US prescription costs by 12.9%. The study, if implemented fully, would lead to higher prices for patients, potentially affecting over 300 million Americans who rely on prescription medications.
The Trump administration has launched an investigation into pharma imports, aiming to stimulate domestic production. The goal is to encourage pharmaceutical companies to expand their operations in the US, reducing reliance on foreign manufacturers.
According to the report, the tariffs would add $51 billion annually to US drug costs, primarily affecting low- and middle-income households. This increase could make essential medications less accessible to vulnerable populations.
The study’s findings have significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare policymakers, highlighting the need for careful consideration of potential policy changes that impact the cost of prescription drugs in the United States.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/us-pharma-tariffs-would-raise-us-drug-costs-by-51-bln-annually-report-finds-2025-04-25