Trump Announces Possible Tariffs of Up to 250% on Imported Medications

Tariffs on imported medications to rise up to 250%

Trump pressures pharmaceutical companies

Imported medicines under threat

According to USATODAY, President Donald Trump has warned that he will impose new tariffs on imported pharmaceutical products, with a possible gradual increase of up to 250%.

During an interview with CNBC on August 5, Trump confirmed he will announce these measures over the course of the coming week.

The president explained that this is a strategy to encourage domestic production of medications within the United States.

According to Trump, the first phase would involve moderate tariffs, followed by gradual increases over the next 12 to 18 months.

Trump’s Tariffs to Start at Moderate Rates

#International | Trump reignites tensions: plans to impose tariffs of up to 250% on imported medications if they are not manufactured in the U.S. The global impact could be significant, and the industry is already on alert #SomosMás https://t.co/IuCMO2t1nz

— Somos Más Mx (@SomosMasNews) August 5, 2025

“We’ll start with a low tariff,” Trump stated. “But in a year, a year and a half at most, it’ll rise to 150% and then to 250%.”

The president justified the measure by saying that many nations “make a fortune” selling medications to the United States.

He cited countries like China and Ireland as examples, which export large quantities of pharmaceutical products to the U.S. market.

Trump has repeatedly stated that globalization in the pharmaceutical industry has weakened the United States’ ability to produce its own medications.

Global Industry Impacted by Drug Tariffs

Trump Announces Possible Tariffs of Up to 250% on Imported Medications – FOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Since the 1990s, the drug supply chain has expanded across Europe, China, and India.

This new announcement intensifies his trade pressure rhetoric against the international pharmaceutical sector.

In July, the president had already proposed specific tariffs of up to 200% on certain imported medications.

At that time, he indicated that companies would be given a grace period to relocate their production to U.S. territory.

Trump Insists on Domestic Production

Tariffs on Imported Medications – PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

In April, Trump had proposed similar measures as part of his agenda to strengthen the local industry.

He stated then that the tariffs would drive pharmaceutical operations back into the country.

More recently, on July 31, the president sent letters to 17 pharmaceutical companies urging them to lower drug prices in the United States.

In the letters, he asked for prices to be aligned with those of so-called “most favored nations.”

Direct Pressure on Foreign Pharmaceutical Companies

These nations pay significantly less for the same medications, according to Trump.

The president urged pharmaceutical companies to adopt this pricing system, at least for the drugs covered by Medicaid.

This program is a federal-state initiative aimed at providing health insurance to low-income individuals.

Trump also called for these price reductions to be extended to Medicare, private insurers, and direct consumers.

Call to Lower Prices or Face Sanctions

The goal, according to the president, is to achieve “global price parity” that benefits American families.

“A joint effort to achieve global price parity would be the most effective path forward for companies, the government, and patients,” he stated in the letters.

But he also warned that if there is no cooperation from the companies, he will use all tools at his disposal.

Among these tools would be the new tariffs, which would apply direct pressure on the profit margins of international companies.

Medications Under Pressure from Tariffs

Trump’s message is clear: the global pharmaceutical industry must adapt to his conditions or face economic retaliation.

His remarks also reflect an electoral strategy, aiming to present himself as a defender of the American consumer.

The high cost of medications has been one of the top concerns among voters—both Democrats and Republicans.

Trump is attempting to position himself as the only leader willing to take drastic actions to change this situation.

Tariffs on Imported Medications: A Controversial Short-Term Measure

However, the measure has raised concerns among analysts and economists over its potential effects on drug prices in the short term.

Although the intention is to lower costs, the immediate application of tariffs could temporarily increase the prices of imported products.

Additionally, some experts warn that relocating pharmaceutical production to the U.S. will require years of investment and infrastructure.

In the meantime, millions of Americans rely on imported medications to treat chronic illnesses and critical conditions.