President Trump plans to implement 25% tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals from April 2025 to enhance domestic production and strengthen national security. 

The value of pharmaceutical imports rose from $73 billion to over $215 billion between 2014 and 2024. While branded drugs comprise 15% of prescriptions, they account for 90% of drug spending. 

Americans pay several times more for medications than other developed nations, and these tariffs may increase costs further. Manufacturers could absorb tariffs or move production to the U.S., potentially raising insurer costs and Medicare premiums. 

Tariffs on generics from India and China could worsen shortages, with 323 drugs already in short supply in early 2024. Experts favor targeted incentives over tariffs. 

These tariffs could disrupt global supply chains, increase medicine prices worldwide, and impact access to generic drugs.