White House Announces 100% Tariff on Patented Foreign Drugs, Offers Exemptions Through Agreements

Donald Trump had long threatened tariffs on imported medicines, and the announcement was formally made on Thursday. According to the White House, the measure aims to boost domestic production of essential drugs and reduce national security risks.

The move is largely symbolic, as it does not apply to generic drugs, which are the most widely used in the United States, according to BBC News. Many major pharmaceutical companies have already reached agreements with the US government, allowing them to avoid the tariff. Additional companies are expected to enter such agreements in the coming weeks.

Professor Sean Sullivan explained that the remaining companies are being brought to the negotiating table. “Everything comes down to negotiation,” he said.

The White House stated that companies pledging to begin domestic production before the end of Trump’s term in January 2029 would face only a 20 percent tariff. Companies that also agree on pricing with the government could see the tariff reduced to zero.