Trump's Surprise Threat: 200% Tariffs on Pharmaceutical Imports
In a shocking move, President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs of up to 200% on pharmaceutical products exported to the United States. This announcement was made during a meeting with his ministerial team. While such rules would not take effect immediately, Trump stated that he would give companies "about a year, a year and a half" to adjust, allowing them sufficient time to relocate production to the United States.
Details to be Announced Soon
According to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the details of these new tariffs will be communicated by the end of the month, pending the completion of studies on the impact of imports on national security. The measure would also affect semiconductor imports.
Consequences of the Tariffs
The consequences of such a measure are clear: increased costs, discouraged investments in the United States, and disruptions to the pharmaceutical supply chain, putting patients at risk. Every dollar spent on tariffs is a dollar that cannot be invested in the industry or in the development of future treatments.
Market Reaction
The markets do not believe that these tariffs will be implemented, as evidenced by the stability of big pharma stock prices. Some even see the one-year delay as good news for the sector. Controlling healthcare costs is a central issue for American households, consuming 17.6% of the GDP, compared to 10.4% in Europe. On the domestic policy front, this is a crucial issue for the current White House occupant.
