menu_open Columnists
We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

Trump’s New Pharma Tariffs Could Drive Up Medical Costs, Patient Advocates Warn

13 0
03.04.2026

Support justice-driven, accurate and transparent news — make a quick donation to Truthout today! 

On Thursday, the one-year anniversary of President Donald Trump’s so-called Liberation Day, US advocacy groups sounded the alarm about his new tariffs targeting “patented pharmaceuticals and their ingredients under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to bolster American national security and public health.”

The administration announced a year ago that the US Department of Commerce would conduct a related investigation under that law. The resulting report was recently sent to the president, and although the findings have not been made public, Trump’s executive order summarizes key takeaways and Secretary Howard Lutnick’s recommended actions.

According to the order, the secretary’s recommendations included “continuing to negotiate onshoring agreements related to most favored nation (MFN) pharmaceutical pricing agreements; imposing significant tariffs on pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients, so that such imports will not threaten to impair the national security of the United States; and granting preferential treatment to those companies that commit to onshore production of pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients.”

Citing an unnamed Trump administration official, The Washington Post reported Thursday that “the White House has reached agreements with 13 drugmakers and expects to soon conclude an additional four.” As part of these deals, companies are planning to invest at........

© Truthout