'Trump's New Tariffs on Drugs Could Spark Shortages, Soaring Costs, and Death, Critics Warn'
During his 2023 State of the Union address, President Joe Biden vowed “Let there be no doubt: should Republicans attempt to increase the prices of prescription drugs, I will firmly reject such measures with my veto power.” The Democrats responded with cheers and applause, whereas the Republicans largely stayed quiet.
However, Republicans clapped and cheered when President Donald Trump declared on Tuesday evening that he would introduce "substantial" tariffs on pharmaceutical products—such as prescription medications, which include several life-saving options used by almost two-thirds of Americans. 90% of individuals who are 65 years old or above Over-the-counter drugs including painkillers like Advil and Tylenol, along with antiallergy medicines, might also be listed.
"We're going to impose tariffs on our pharmaceutical products, and when we do that, they will flood back into our country because we represent a substantial market," Trump asserted during his speech (the video can be seen below) at the National Republican Congressional Committee Dinner, an upscale gathering hosted by the NRCC aimed at getting more Republicans elected to the House of Representatives.
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The differences were stark: one president vowing to reduce the cost of prescriptions, while another, dressed formally in black tie, declared significant tariffs on medicines—many of which are essential for everyday use by Americans, particularly seniors and those with lower incomes who rely on these drugs to handle critical health issues or sustain their lives.
The benefit we possess compared to everyone else is that we represent the largest market," President Trump continued, "and soon we'll announce significant tariffs on pharmaceutical products. Once you and others learn about this, companies will abandon China and other locations since they must primarily sell their goods here. Consequently, these businesses will establish factories throughout our nation.
According to NBC News Initially, "pharmaceutical imports" were excluded from Trump’s initial round of reciprocal tariffs implemented the previous week; however, following the President’s statement, shares of international pharmaceutical companies experienced a decline.
Late last month, the Brookings Institution alerted that imposing tariffs on pharmaceutical products won’t encourage US production of "off-patent generic drugs, which make up more than 90% of prescription volumes." The warning also included concerns that such tariffs might result in "discontinuation of certain products or cutbacks that diminish product quality."
"Any interruptions in production within the already vulnerable generic injectable market are expected to lead to shortages," Brookings noted.
Reaction to Trump's statement was immediate, with numerous Americans, who were already experiencing stress, responding negatively. President’s massive tariff program I have observed stock markets in the U.S. and worldwide experiencing significant declines.
Experts caution that the tariffs might result in severe outcomes.
Donald Trump aims to impose tariffs on pharmaceutical products, majority of which are manufactured abroad, including the components used in nearly every medication we consume. This approach isn’t about standing up to China—it’s about manipulating public health for political gain, commented Political consultant Shea Jordan Smith.
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Be under no illusion—this will cost American lives, warned 314 Action, which says it is “the only organization in the nation focused on recruiting, training, and electing Democrats with a background in science to public office.” “Trump is gambling with people’s lives through his tariffs. This is why we need more doctors in Congress—to be able to stand up to Trump and protect our health care from weak spined Republicans.”
Jessica Riedl, who serves as a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute—a conservative research organization— lamented President Trump plans to impose increasing taxes on essential medicines for low-income households and senior citizens, making these medications unaffordable for their survival and daily functioning. It’s cruel. Yet Congress remains inactive.
Gary Winslett, a political science professor at Middlebury College whose expertise lies in the realm of trade policies and international commerce, writes This has to be one of the most foolish product categories you could possibly impose tariffs on.
Robert Tyler, who serves as a senior policy advisor at a prominent conservative European think tank, observed It’s quite different when we talk about disrupting global supply chains for the automotive sector since, honestly, demand isn’t particularly high right now. However, interfering with pharmaceutical supplies is risky business. Many parts of the globe lack the capability to compensate for such shortages.
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