New U.S. Tariffs on Brand-Name Drugs: Implications for Access and Public Health

President Trump signed an executive order imposing a 100% tariff on imported brand-name drugs, citing national security and U.S. import reliance. Certain exemptions apply, including generic and orphan drugs, as well as manufacturers with U.S. production plans or “Most Favored Nation” agreements.

Tariffs on drugs from the EU, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and the U.K. vary. Health officials emphasize the policy aims to equalize costs for American patients, while industry leaders warn it could increase drug prices and reduce investment in research, potentially affecting access to innovative medicines and public health outcomes. Read more from The Hill here.